Is My Child Ready for Contacts?
Contact lenses are worn for a multitude of reasons. They are comfortable, convenient and give you a wider range of corrective vision. Parents often ask us when is a good time for their child to switch from glasses and contacts.
Let’s go through three signs that your child is ready for contact lenses.
1. Your child requests contacts.
Many children prefer wearing glasses over the option of contact lenses so if your child doesn’t show an interest in switching to contacts then now might not be the right time. Rushing into contacts too early can cause unnecessary stress on both the child and parent. Our 20/20 Optical Shop has a wide inventory of eye glasses for children and teens that are both trendy and fun however if they are showing an interest, let’s move on the second sign that your child is ready.
2. Your child is responsible.
Contacts are a big responsibility. They require consistent care and cleaning. Most contacts need to be taken out daily. If you feel your child is mature enough to handle these extra tasks then you might consider giving contacts a try.
3. Your child has good hygiene.
Good hygiene will help make a new contact routine easier. If your child isn’t careful to be very clean in taking care of contact lenses, it can lead to eye infections. So, it is best to observe your child’s hygiene habits before making a decision.
If you feel your child is ready for contacts, lets take a quick look at recommended safety tips for contact lenses according to the FDA. This is a great list to discuss with your child. It will help you and your child determine if they are ready for this new responsibility.
Contact Lens Safety Tips
- Wash your hands before cleaning or inserting lenses. Carefully dry your hands with a clean, lint-free cloth.
- Rub, rinse, clean and disinfect your contact lenses as directed. Only use the products and solutions recommended by your eye care professional. Note that cleaning and rinsing (and the use of most care solutions) is eliminated if daily disposable lenses are prescribed.
- Never expose your contact lenses to any kind of water or saliva.
- Do not wear your lenses for longer than prescribed. Do not sleep in lenses unless they are prescribed to be used that way.
- When playing sports, wear safety goggles or glasses over your lenses.
- Apply any cosmetics after inserting lenses. Remove your lenses before removing makeup.
- Never put a contact lens into an eye that is red.
- If your eye is itching, burning, irritated or red, remove your lenses and contact your eye care professional.
You know your child best.
If you think they are prepared to take this step, we are here to help teach your child how to properly store, care for and wear contacts. We can discuss all available options to see what is best for your child. Schedule an appointment today to talk about switching to contact lenses.
