About 25% of children and teens living in the United States wear eyeglasses to correct vision issues, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Many of these kids eventually transition to contact lenses, but as a parent, you may wonder whether your child is ready for the responsibility.
At 2020 Family Vision, with locations in Novi, Lake Orion, Bloomington Hills, Farmington Hill, and Ypsilanti, Michigan, our team offers pediatric eye care, including contact lenses for children and teens.
Read on to learn about the benefits of contact lenses for kids, things to consider, and potential drawbacks, so you can be prepared and informed when the topic comes up.
When kids ask about wearing contact lenses, many parents assume it’s simply a cosmetic concern. While some people consider glasses “nerdy,” choosing contacts can also be a practical decision. Beyond the boost in self-confidence and social comfort, contact lenses:
Thanks to modern technological advances, several types of contacts now exist, including daily, two-week, and monthly disposable options.
These lenses are reasonably priced and feature breathable materials, allowing children, even those with sensitive eyes, to wear them comfortably.
Despite all of their benefits, contact lenses aren’t right for every child or teen. It’s important to take several factors into account before moving forward.
First, consider your child’s age and maturity level. Are they responsible enough to clean and care for their contacts? Do they have the dexterity to remove the contacts from their container and place them into their eyes?
If you can confidently answer “yes” to these questions, your child is probably a good candidate. If you can’t, it may be worth holding off a little longer.
Next, think about your child’s current vision prescription. Has it remained stable for a few years, or is it regularly changing? If you’re constantly having to update their prescription, glasses may make more sense for now.
Finally, make sure to include your own needs in the decision-making process. Kids who begin wearing contacts need regular supervision, especially at first.
If you’re too busy or stressed to take on more responsibility, don’t feel bad about waiting. Contacts require regular cleaning, insertion, and removal, which can be a tall order, especially if you’ve got a lot on your plate.
Many parents find that contact lenses significantly improve their child’s quality of life, which is great. However, there are several risks to be aware of. These include:
These drawbacks should be considered, especially if you’re concerned that your child may not be able to clean and care for their contacts or if your family is on a tight budget. Take all these factors into account before deciding to move forward.
If your child is asking to make the switch to contacts, the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with our team. After reviewing their health history and completing a comprehensive eye exam, we can make custom treatment recommendations.
We often recommend starting with a trial of daily disposable contact lenses. This gets kids comfortable with wearing contacts and allows you to observe them in a controlled way.
The most important thing you can do is emphasize proper hygiene and lens care. These simple practices can support your child’s comfort and reduce the risk of eye infections and irritation.
Similarly, encourage your child to speak up if their contacts bother them in any way. Open communication makes the transition smoother and safer.
If your child currently wears glasses and wants to switch to contact lenses, contact us.
Call the nearest office today to make an appointment, or book your visit online. After the exam and a brief discussion, we can determine whether now is the right time to make the switch.
