Contact lenses for teens

Should teens wear contacts?

Many teens are unaware of the significant responsibility that comes with wearing contact lenses. Lenses must be treated with care and properly maintained, and prescriptions must be up-to-date with lenses that fit correctly. Because teenagers are still growing and developing, regular eye exams with an optometrist are crucial. It is essential for parents to ensure these appointments are scheduled and attended.

While some optometrists will recommend contact lenses for patients as young as 8 years old, most eye doctors recommend holding off till ages 11 to 14. Nevertheless, the needs of every child are different.

Teens should remember the following contact lens tips:

• Always follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water before applying or removing contact lenses.
• Never use anything other than contact lens rinse or solution to clean contacts (even tap water is a no-no).
• Use contact lens solution only once – never reuse.
• Follow the eye doctor’s advice about swimming or showering in your lenses.
• Always remove your lenses if they are bothering you or causing irritation.
• Never sleep in your lenses (except for extended wear lenses).
• Only wear lenses prescribed by an eye doctor.
• Never purchase cosmetic lenses without a prescription!

Frequently Asked Questions – Contact Lenses for Children

Q. At what age do you recommend children start with contact lenses?

A. As optometrists, we believe that contact lenses can be worn at any age; however, they are a privilege, not a right. There is a financial responsibility associated with wearing contact lenses, along with the need for overall accountability to avoid eye health issues. Therefore, for young people, our team recommends waiting to try contacts until both the patient and parents are on board. Many optometrists in our field have observed that if the patient does not want contact lenses, they will not take care of them properly or handle them successfully. Conversely, the parents need to agree to assume the financial responsibility for the fit, follow-up, and materials, and they must also agree that their child is mature enough to care for the contacts independently.

Q. Can kids wear contact lenses?

A. Contact lens wear is not a matter of age. Many infants and toddlers wear them; some teenagers shouldn’t. In other words, every case is different. Some contact lenses can slow the progression of nearsightedness. Contact lenses are better for sports activities. Many children, and most teens would rather wear contacts than glasses. Most eye care professionals report great results with kids and contact lenses. No eye doctor will prescribe contact lenses for children or teenagers who aren’t ready for them or who don’t have a good reason to wear them.

And of course, contact one of our locations you have any questions.