Many children are interested in contact lenses as an alternative to wearing glasses full time. However, the success of any child wearing contact lenses depends on many factors – including age.
Types of Contact Lenses for Kids
Many contact lenses have been approved to be worn by children under eighteen years old. These contact lenses are often the exact same product that is offered to adults.
However, there are some contact lenses that are designed specifically for children based on the smaller size or specific use.
Examples of these “children-specific” contact lenses are the myopia control soft contact lenses or orthokeratology hard contact lenses.
Most children will be most successful with a soft contact lens, but other types include rigid gas permeable contact lenses or scleral contact lenses.
Considerations Before Getting Contact Lenses
Once a child has expressed interest in wearing contact lenses, it is important to consider all of the factors which will determine how well the child will do as a contact lens wearer.
- One of the most important factors is the motivation of the child. If a child is extremely motivated to wear contact lenses for a specific sport or activity, the child may do better than if the child is less motivated and feels pressured to wear contact lenses.
Another major consideration is the maturity and responsibility of the child. Contact lenses are a medical device which can result in serious harm if not handled appropriately.
Making sure that a child can insert and remove the contact lenses independently is a must before allowing the child to wear contact lenses.
The child must also be able to clean and store the contact lenses correctly and consistently.
Ages Which Kids Can be Successful with Contacts
While age is a factor – you certainly would not expect a 3-year-old to be successful with contact lenses – the bigger concern is the capability to both handle and be responsible with the contact lenses.
Nearly all teenage children are capable of successful contact lens wear with the right training and motivation to wear the contact lenses.
Most children between ten and twelve can be very successful as well but tend to struggle more than those that are slightly older.
Children five to nine often struggle to consistently insert and remove soft contact lenses but, still, many children in this age range can successfully wear contact lenses.
Children under five are rarely able to wear contact lenses without special assistance from a parent or guardian.
Ways to Prepare a Child for Contact Lens Wear
If a child is interested in wearing contact lenses, there are several steps to take to prepare them for successful contact lens wear.
Establishing good hygiene habits such as washing their hands and face regularly before beginning contact lens wear can help prevent any issues with starting wear.
Another helpful step is begin training how to manipulate their eyelids for inserting the contact lenses. A useful skill is the ability use artificial tears independently. If a child can handle their own eyelids for eye drops, it is much easier to train to insert contact lenses.
0 Comments