If your teen has been diagnosed with a vision problem, chances are, they are less than excited about the idea of having to wear glasses. As a result, they may have asked you if they could wear contact lenses as an alternative. Naturally, as a parent, you might have a lot of questions about a teenager wearing contact lenses, causing you to be apprehensive about the idea. Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help put your mind at ease.

Is There An Age Minimum?

A common question many parents have is whether or not there is an age minimum for contact lenses. The simple answer to this is no. Whether or not contact lenses are right for your child should be based on maturity, rather than chronological age alone. Since children mature differently, the right age will vary from child to child.

In terms of maturity, the main thing to consider is whether or not you believe your teen will take proper care of the contact lenses. Contact lenses need to be stored away properly every night and cleaned regularly in order to keep them in good condition and reduce the risk of infection. If your child hasn't reached a level of maturity at which you believe they can accomplish this task, they might not be ready for contact lenses just yet.  

Will The Contact Lenses Be Safe to Wear?

Another concern parents have is whether or not the contact lenses will be safe for their child. If your child is very active, the answer to this question is yes. If your child participates in a competitive sport, such as basketball or hockey, it's fairly easy for your child to get hit with the ball and break their glasses, increasing the risk of a dangerous cut.

While goggles are an alternative, they can often be uncomfortable to wear. Contact lenses avoid the risk of injury and are more comfortable. Additionally, provided your teen is cleaning their lenses as recommended and not sharing them with their friends, wearing contact lenses is both comfortable and safe.

If your teen is asking for contact lenses, make certain you have a conversation with them about care beforehand. When you equip your teen with the right care instructions, not only will they enjoy their contact lenses more, but you will have peace of mind that their optical health is safe.

Contact an optometrist like Dr Ron Sealock if you have specific questions about contact lenses and if they're the best option.

Share