Contact lenses may be a good option for teens who frequently play sports or are concerned with how they look, and they’re at an age when they can adequately care for their lenses.
Contact Lenses Q&A with Dr. Long
Q. At what age do you recommend children start with contact lenses?
A. As an optometrist, I believe that contact lenses can be worn at any age. But contacts are a privilege and not a right. There is a financial responsibility associated with contact lens wear, as well as the need for overall accountability to avoid eye health issues. Therefore, for young people, I recommend that we wait to try contacts until both the patient and parents are on board.
In my experience, if the patient is not wanting contact lenses he/she will not take care of them appropriately and/or will not be successful at handling the lenses. On the flip side, the parent(s) need to agree to assume the financial responsibility of fit, follow up, and materials; also, they must agree that their child is mature enough to take care of the contacts on his/her own.
Do you have specific questions about fitting your child with glasses or contacts? Contact Dr. Long at Medical Arts Optical, and we’ll be happy to assist.