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Contact Lenses for Kids: Tips and Best Practices
When it comes to vision correction for children, contact lenses can offer a level of convenience and freedom that glasses may not provide. They not only help improve a child’s peripheral vision—especially useful during sports and other active pursuits—but they can also boost a child’s confidence in school and social settings. Of course, the decision to transition from glasses to contacts depends on more than just age; it also hinges on a child’s maturity, willingness to follow hygiene guidelines, and overall eye health.
At Clarkson Eyecare, we empower parents and kids alike with clear, practical information about wearing and caring for contact lenses. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of lenses suitable for children, share tips for ensuring safe contact use, and discuss how to decide whether your child is ready for the responsibility that comes with wearing contacts. By understanding these essential factors, you can make an informed choice that best supports your child’s vision and well-being.
Different Types of Contact Lenses
Deciding which type of contact lens is best for your child depends on factors like age, prescription, and lifestyle. There are a variety of contact lens options, each with their own benefits and considerations.
Daily disposable lenses are designed for single use and are discarded at the end of each day. This means minimal cleaning is required and the risk of infection is reduced, making them a top choice for young contact lens wearers. While the cost can be higher over time due to daily replacement, single-use lenses are best for children who need hassle-free maintenance and reliable hygiene, or those new to contact lens wear.
Monthly or two-week disposable lenses are worn for a designated period before being replaced. These lenses are more cost-effective than dailies if the child sticks to the recommended cleaning routine and are available in a wide variety of prescriptions. However, monthly contacts require diligent cleaning and storage to prevent eye infections. These lenses are best for older children or teens who demonstrate responsibility and can follow a daily cleaning regimen.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made of breathable materials that allow oxygen to reach the cornea. They are generally more durable, can provide sharper vision for certain prescriptions, and may help manage astigmatism or other complex vision needs. Unlike daily or monthly lenses, RGP lenses often involve a longer adaptation period, meaning some children may find them less comfortable at first. They also require thorough cleaning and consistent care, making them ideal for children or teens with specific refractive needs who can handle the upkeep and initial adjustment period.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without lenses. This offers freedom from daytime glasses or contacts and may help slow the progression of myopia in some children. However, Ortho-K lenses require strict nightly wear and cleaning to maintain effectiveness, making them an effective option for older, responsible children or teens who care committed to a routine.
Age Considerations for Contact Lenses
While there is no strict minimum age for contact lens wear, determining when a child is ready depends on more than just the number of birthdays they’ve had. Maturity, personal hygiene, and a willingness to follow care instructions play crucial roles in ensuring safe and successful contact lens use.
Young Children (8-12 Years Old)
For many children in this age range, daily disposables are the most convenient and safest option. They don’t require cleaning and minimize infection risk, which is particularly beneficial for kids still mastering thorough hygiene routines. Young children that wear contacts should always be closely monitored by a parent or guardian. They will need guidance on how to insert, remove, and dispose of lenses properly. Parents should also reinforce the importance of handwashing and avoiding contact with water, including swimming or showering, while wearing their lenses.
Preteens and Teenagers (13-17 Years Old)
Older children who demonstrate good responsibility may transition to longer-wear lenses if they can commit to cleaning and storing them correctly each day. Observe whether your child consistently completes tasks like homework or household chores without constant reminders. This can indicate readiness for the daily responsibility of lens care. Always encourage adolescents to manage their own lens care routines but continue checking in to ensure they’re following best practices. Teens involved in sports or other activities often appreciate the greater freedom and peripheral vision contracts provide. If they demonstrate the ability to take care of their lenses, they may benefit from RGP or Ortho-K lenses if recommended by their optometrist.
Tips and Tricks for Safe Contact Lens Use
When it comes to children and teenagers wearing contact lenses, establishing good habits early is essential for preventing complications. Here are some crucial practices to ensure safe and comfortable lens wear:
Practice Proper Hygiene: Always wash hands thoroughly using soap and water, then dry with a clean towel before handling lenses. This helps eliminate germs that could lead to eye infections. Children should also never rinse or store contact lenses in tap water, as it can introduce harmful bacteria to the lenses and their eyes.
Follow the Replacement Schedule: If using daily disposables, make sure they’re discarded each night. For monthly or two-week disposables, adhere strictly to the recommended replacement date. Be sure to avoid overextending contact lens wear—sleeping in contacts not specifically designed for overnight use increases the risk of corneal infections and other eye issues.
Clean and Store Contacts Correctly: Only clean contact lenses with the disinfecting or multipurpose solution recommended by your child’s optometrist. Saline solutions and rewetting drops alone aren’t enough to disinfect lenses. The lens case should also be rinsed with fresh solution daily, be allowed to air-dry, and then replaced at least every three months.
Watch for Signs of Discomfort: If your child experiences redness, irritation, or blurry vision, have them remove their contacts immediately and contact your Clarkson Eyecare doctor for guidance. Encourage them to speak up about any unusual sensations like dryness, scratchiness, or persistent blurred vision before continuing lens wear.
Limit Exposure to Water: Unless advised otherwise by an eye care professional, water exposure can introduce bacteria and other pathogens to contact lenses. If your child participates in aquatic activities, consider prescription goggles instead of wearing contact lenses underwater.
Visit Clarkson Eyecare for Regular Check-Ups: Children’s eyes can change rapidly, so it’s important to keep their prescription current. Schedule annual or semiannual visits with your optometrist to monitor your child’s eye health and lens fit. This helps catch early signs of discomfort, infections, or prescription changes.
Find the Right Contact Lenses for Your Child at Clarkson Eyecare
Choosing contact lenses for your child can be a positive step toward improved vision and greater freedom in their daily activities, but it’s a decision that requires careful consideration of age, maturity, and responsibility. By exploring the various lens types, following good hygiene practices, and scheduling regular eye exams, parents can help ensure that contact lens wear is a safe and beneficial experience for children and teens alike.
At Clarkson Eyecare, we're here to support your family every step of the way, from determining if your child is ready to wear contacts to providing ongoing care and guidance. If you’re considering contact lenses for your child or have questions about lens safety and maintenance, book your contact lens exam today. Together, we can create a customized plan that fosters healthy vision habits and keeps your child’s eyes feeling comfortable and clear.