Contact Lenses for Kids: What Parents Need to Know

As parents, we want the best for our children, providing them with the right tools to see the world. If your child wears glasses, you might have wondered if contact lenses could be a good option for them. 

With today's advancements in contact lens technology, many children and teens are successfully making the switch. But how do you know if your child is ready for contact lenses? 

At Merivale Vision Care, we're here to help you decide if contact lenses are right for your child and explain what you need to know before making that decision.

The Benefits of Contact Lenses for Kids

Contact lenses offer several advantages over traditional glasses, especially for active children. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Better Vision for Active Lifestyles: Kids who play sports or engage in outdoor activities often find contact lenses more practical than glasses. Contacts provide a wider field of vision and don't fog up or fall off during play, making them ideal for children involved in athletics.
• Improved Self-Confidence: Many kids feel more confident when switching glasses to contacts. Contact lenses can help children feel less self-conscious about their appearance, which can be particularly important during the school years when peer interactions and social dynamics are in full swing.
• Enhanced Peripheral Vision: Unlike glasses, which limit peripheral vision due to the frames, contact lenses provide full, unobstructed sight. This can be especially helpful for kids who participate in sports, as it allows them to be more aware of their surroundings.
• Aesthetic Freedom: Contact lenses allow kids to wear any style of sunglasses, safety goggles, or fashion accessories without the limitations of eyeglass frames. This flexibility is often a significant plus for children who are fashion-conscious or concerned about fitting in with their peers.

How to Know If Your Child Is Ready for Contacts

The transition from glasses to contact lenses isn't solely about age but responsibility and maturity. Most children are ready for contact lenses between ages 8 and 12, but this can vary based on your child's habits. Here are some factors to consider when determining if your child is ready:

• Hygiene Habits: Contact lenses require regular cleaning and proper handling to avoid infections. Suppose your child demonstrates good hygiene, such as washing their hands regularly and following routines with care. In that case, they may be ready to take on the responsibility of wearing and caring for contact lenses.
• Responsibility Level: Contacts require more maintenance than glasses, which must be cleaned and stored properly. A child who regularly takes care of their possessions completes homework without constant reminders, and follows instructions is more likely to handle the daily responsibilities that come with contact lenses.
• Comfort and Awareness: Some kids may feel squeamish about placing a contact lens in their eyes. It's essential to gauge how comfortable your child is with touching their eyes and how willing they are to learn the proper techniques for inserting, removing, and cleaning lenses.

Types of Contact Lenses for Kids

Several options must be considered when choosing the right type of contact lenses for your child. At Merivale Vision Care, we'll guide you in selecting the best lenses based on your child's eye health and lifestyle needs.

• Daily Disposable Lenses: Daily disposable lenses are an excellent option for kids because they require minimal maintenance. Your child will wear a fresh pair each day, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions and reducing the risk of eye infections. This lens type is ideal for children just starting with contacts, as it simplifies the process and ensures optimal hygiene.
• Extended Wear Lenses: Depending on the type, extended-wear lenses can be worn continuously for several days or even weeks. While these can be convenient, they require strict adherence to a cleaning and care routine to avoid complications. For children, daily wear lenses may be the better option to start with before considering extended wear.
• Toric Lenses: If your child has astigmatism, toric lenses may be the best option. These lenses are designed to correct the cornea's irregular shape and provide clearer vision. Toric lenses come in daily and extended wear options, so you can choose the one that best fits your child's lifestyle and needs.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight and temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without needing contacts or glasses. These lenses are particularly helpful for kids with progressive myopia (nearsightedness) as they can slow down the condition's progression. However, they must be highly responsible and adhere to the wear schedule.

Teaching Kids How to Care for Contact Lenses

If your child is ready to switch to contact lenses, teaching them proper lens care is crucial. Good habits will ensure your child's eye health and help them avoid potential complications. Here's what we recommend:

• Clean Hands, Clean Lenses: Ensure your child knows to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling contact lenses. This prevents dirt, oils, and bacteria from transferring to the lenses and entering the eye.
• Follow the Schedule: Following the recommended wearing schedule for contact lenses is important. Whether your child uses daily disposables or reusable lenses, ensure they understand the importance of sticking to the prescribed timeline to avoid overuse or eye strain.
• Proper Cleaning and Storage: If your child uses reusable lenses, ensure they know how to clean them with the appropriate solution and store them in a clean lens case. Reinforce the importance of using fresh solution each time and not topping off old solution, as this can lead to contamination.
• Replace Lenses as Directed: Contacts have a limited lifespan, and replacing them as directed by your optometrist is essential. Wearing lenses beyond their intended usage can cause discomfort and increase the risk of eye infections.

The Role of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are crucial to maintaining eye health even after your child wears contact lenses. As kids grow, their vision needs can change, and contact lenses should be adjusted accordingly. 

At Merivale Vision Care, we recommend scheduling eye exams at least once a year to monitor your child's vision, assess the fit of their contact lenses, and address any potential issues.

Conclusion

Switching to contact lenses can be an exciting milestone for your child, offering them more freedom and flexibility in their daily lives. 

At Merivale Vision Care, we support you every step of the way, from determining if your child is ready for contact lenses to selecting the right type and ensuring proper care.

If you think your child may be ready for contact lenses or have any questions about the process, contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

Our team of experienced optometrists will help you make the best decision for your child's vision and eye health. Together, we can ensure that your child enjoys clear, comfortable vision with the right contact lenses.