Over 8% of contact lens wearers are under 18 years old.
Wearing contacts has become more of an option for teens, preteens, and even some children since contact lens maintenance has gotten easier and more accessible than ever before.
Most eye doctors agree that by the age of 13, and even as early as age 11, the eyes have developed enough to wear contact lenses.
Children as young as 11 years old are mature enough to manage the responsibilities that come with contact lens, according to a study conducted at the University of Indiana’s School of Optometry.
On average, the students in the study learned how to properly care for contact lenses after a few weeks or months of wearing, cleaning, and storing them.
Anyone interested in contact lenses, even teenagers, should have a thorough understanding of how to use contacts safely and how to care for contact lenses.
During an eye exam an optometrist can determine whether your teenager is ready to wear contact lenses.
Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about allowing your teen to wear contacts:
Responsibility
There is no such thing as a perfect age to begin wearing contacts.
If your child can follow the specific directions from the eye doctor, they are likely ready to take on the responsibility of wearing contacts.
Different children mature at different rates. Consider your child’s level of responsibility when considering contacts. Wearing contact lenses necessitates a high level of commitment.
Cleaning and caring for lenses properly is crucial for maintaining eye health and lowering the risk of infection.
Motivation
Make sure that your teen has the right motivation to wear contacts.
Teenagers are known for bending to peer pressure— are they being influenced by friends who wear contact lenses?
Talking to them about the responsibility, care and potential harm it can cause their eyes, if they don’t properly care for their lenses, can help in the decision-making process.
Think your teen might be ready for contact lenses? Contact an eye doctor near you.
SEE RELATED: Contact Lenses: Top 10 Myths and Facts
Confidence
The majority of teenagers are self-conscious about their looks. They may feel socially uncomfortable when wearing glasses.
Teenagers can feel more self-assured about their appearance by wearing contact lenses, and they can wear their favorite sunglasses!
Comfort
Today’s contact lenses are made to be as comfortable as possible to wear. Their eye doctor can help them choose the lenses most suitable for their eyes and lifestyle.
Safety
For teenagers, contact lenses may be a safer option than glasses.
Contact lenses are less damaged while participating in sports and are easier to replace than glasses.
Also, if a sport requires polycarbonate safety goggles, wearing them over contact lenses is far easier and more pleasant than wearing them over glasses.
Finally, contact lenses do not fog up or distort vision the way glasses do.
Schedule a contact lens fitting with an eye doctor near you, so your teen can start feeling more confident and see with comfort.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Contact Lenses
Most eye doctors feel that children as young as 11 years old may be mature enough to manage the responsibilities that come with wearing contact lenses.
