One common question that we get from families during pediatric eye exams is whether there’s a magic number for when kids are ready for contact lenses.
We find that a child’s ability to handle daily routines is often the clearest sign they’re prepared for the world of contacts, which requires a contact lens fitting. The decision to get contacts for a child has more to do with responsibility and maturity than a specific age. Let’s explore what to consider when you and your child are thinking about making the switch.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for Contacts
While some children are ready for contacts at eight years old, others may feel more comfortable waiting until their early teens. You can get a good idea of your child’s readiness by observing how they manage their everyday responsibilities. Their habits at home and school can tell you a lot about how they might handle contact lens care.
Key Questions to Ask
Thinking about your child’s daily life can help you gauge their readiness. You may want to consider a few key areas of their personal development. Here are some questions to think about:
- Do they handle their chores and homework without constant reminders?
- Do they practice good personal hygiene, like brushing their teeth and washing their hands, which is a key part of proper contact lens care?
- Can they follow instructions that involve multiple steps?
- Are they open to the idea of touching their eyes?
Benefits of Contacts for Kids & Teens
Contact lenses can offer a number of advantages, especially for active kids and teens.
How Contacts Can Help
For many young people, wearing contacts is about more than just seeing clearly. Here are some of the benefits:
- Full Field of Vision: Contacts offer clear sight from all angles—up, down, and to the sides.
- Sports & Activities: Kids can run, jump, and play freely without worrying about glasses slipping or breaking.
- Myopia Management: Certain types of contact lenses may help slow down the progression of nearsightedness, a practice known as myopia control.
- A Confidence Boost: Some kids and teens simply feel more like themselves without glasses.
A Look at Potential Risks & Safety
Most people wear contact lenses without any issues, and your child can too. The key to healthy eyes is following a simple and consistent care routine from the very beginning. Knowing what to look for and how to practice good habits helps set your child up for success.
Common Eye Irritations
Occasionally, contact lens wearers may experience minor irritation. These issues are often preventable with proper hygiene and care. Pay attention if your child mentions any of these feelings:
- Dry or gritty-feeling eyes
- Increased itching or burning sensations
- Redness or signs of an infection, like conjunctivitis
- Discomfort that feels like a scratch, which might require emergency eye care
Contact Lens Safety Tips
A few simple rules can help keep your child’s eyes happy and healthy. We teach every new wearer these important steps. Think of them as the foundation for a lifetime of good vision habits.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling contacts.
- Follow the wearing schedule provided by your eye doctor.
- Avoid sleeping, swimming, or showering with contacts in.
- Use only the cleaning and storage solution your doctor recommends.
- Keep an updated pair of glasses nearby as a backup.
Types of Contacts & What to Expect
Not all contact lenses are created equal, and that’s a good thing. Your eye doctor can help find the perfect pair to fit your child’s vision needs and lifestyle. For young people new to contacts, there are many different types, but daily disposable lenses are often a great place to start.
Daily Disposable Lenses
These single-use lenses are worn for one day and then discarded before bed. This straightforward approach removes the need for cleaning routines and storage cases. The convenience of daily disposables makes them a simple and hygienic option for busy kids and teens.
Lenses for Myopia Management
If your child is nearsighted, their myopia may progress over time. Some contacts are designed specifically to help slow this progression. We can discuss if this is a suitable option for your child’s vision.
How to Get Contacts for Your Child
Getting started with contacts is an exciting step that begins with a visit to the eye doctor. The process is designed to be comfortable and educational for both you and your child. We walk you both through every step of the journey, from the initial exam to the first time your child puts in their lenses.
Schedule a Contact Lens Exam
The first step is to book a contact lens exam and fitting. This appointment is different from a standard eye exam because it includes special measurements of your child’s eyes.
The Fitting & Training Process
After the measurements, your child will try on a pair of diagnostic lenses so that your eye doctor can check the fit and vision. Next comes the fun part—a hands-on lesson. We teach your child how to properly insert, remove, and care for their new lenses before you head home.
We also have an online guide to help you master the fitting process.
Factors That Affect Price
It’s helpful to consider the costs associated with contact lenses. The price can depend on a number of factors, including the type of lens and your child’s prescription. We can discuss the different options that are available, but some common considerations include:
- Daily disposables versus bi-weekly or monthly lenses
- Lenses that correct for astigmatism (e.g., toric lenses)
- Multifocal or other lenses for specific vision needs
If you and your child feel that now is the right time to explore contact lenses, we’re here to help. At The Vision Place in San Antonio, we’re here to answer your questions and guide your family towards visual health. Schedule a contact lens consultation with us today to get started.