Can Children Wear Contact Lenses?

Do you have a child with vision issues? If so, would contact lenses be a good solution for them? Some myths hold that contact lenses are only for grown-ups or too tricky or risky for kids. But is that true?

The answer is undoubtedly no. Contact lenses are safe for kids of any age if an eye doctor gives them the right ones and shows them how to use them properly. Contact lenses can offer many benefits for children, such as:

Improving their self-esteem and confidence
Enhancing their sports performance and safety
Providing them with more freedom and convenience
Correcting their vision problems more effectively

Contact Lens Options for Children

Children can choose contact lenses based on vision, likes, and habits. Some of the most common ones are:

Soft Contact Lenses

Soft and flexible materials make these lenses. They fit the shape of the eye. They are easy and comfortable to put in and take out. Your child can have them daily, weekly, or monthly. They can fix most vision problems, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses

Rigid and durable materials make these lenses. They keep their shape on the eye. They give sharper vision than soft contact lenses and can fix more complex vision problems. They also let more oxygen reach the eye, which lowers the chance of infection and irritation. They can last for a year or more with good care. But they may need more time to adjust to and more cleaning and upkeep than soft contact lenses.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-k) Contact Lenses

These are special RGP contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. They offer a glasses-free and contact-free solution for mild to moderate myopia and astigmatism during the day.

They can also slow myopia progression in children by preventing the eye from elongating further. They require regular follow-ups with an eye doctor and careful hygiene practices to prevent complications.

Tips for Helping Your Child Use Contact Lenses Safely and Comfortably

If you decide to get contact lenses for your child, follow these tips to help them use them safely and comfortably:

Choose an eye doctor experienced in fitting contact lenses for kids. They can outline the advantages and drawbacks of various options
Involve your child in the decision-making process; let them choose the type, color, and style of contact lenses they prefer
Teach your little one to properly insert, remove, clean, and store their contact lenses. Supervise them until they master these skills
Remind your child to follow the wearing schedule, replacement schedule, and hygiene instructions given by their eye doctor
Encourage your child to wear sunglasses and eye drops to protect their eyes from UV rays and dryness
Plan routine pediatric eye exams to evaluate their vision and overall eye health and to modify their prescription as necessary

Conclusion

For kids with visual issues, contact lenses might be a great solution. The lenses can improve their self-esteem, performance, safety, freedom, and convenience. These can also correct their vision problems more effectively, especially for those with myopia. Do not let your child’s vision problems keep them from enjoying life. Get them contact lenses today and see the difference.

For more information on contact lenses for children, visit Optique Vision at our Albany, New York office. Call (518) 302-2106 to schedule an appointment today.