When is the right age for children to start wearing contact lenses? Optometrists are often asked this question, to which there is no "right" answer. While most children start wearing contact lenses in their early teens, age is not the main consideration. Physically, a child's eyes can tolerate contact lenses at a very young age, and they can be worn successfully with no higher risk for complications than in adolescents or adults. Factors other than age include the child's level of maturity and responsibility and the reason they would like to wear contact lenses. The decision should be a joint one between the optometrist, who has the professional knowledge and experience, and the parents, who can best judge the maturity and motivation of their child.
What are the reasons a child may have for wanting to wear contact lenses? The child may simply find that glasses interfere with playing sport and contact lenses are less cumbersome. In spite of fashionable and attractive frames for children, some feel self-conscious wearing glasses and may be teased at school. Contact lenses would boost their confidence and self-esteem. Sometimes, even school performance and participation in social activities improves after the switch to contact lenses.
Why would an optometrist prescribe contact lenses for a child? Contact lenses can provide clearer vision and better peripheral vision. They offer several advantages over glasses during sport by not fogging up or becoming streaked with perspiration. There is less risk of injury due to glasses slipping or being knocked off and breaking during sport. Contact lenses are a safe and effective form of vision correction as long as they are worn and cared for properly under the supervision of the optometrist and the parents. Regardless of the wearer's age, contact lenses are medical devices and are not risk-free. There are disadvantages to wearing them, and the child and parents should be made aware of these. Children with seasonal allergies may not be good candidates for contact lenses which may make the irritation of the eyes worse.
Which lenses are best? The appropriate lenses for the particular child will be decided by the optometrist. Contact lenses vary in terms of the material they are made of, the amount of oxygen they allow to reach the eye and the length of time they can be worn. The issue of coloured contact lenses and novelty contact lenses is bound to arise with children. These are often bought at flea markets or novelty shops, which can be harmful for the eyes. However, if they are fitted by an optometrist, they can be both safe and fun!
Are contact lenses safe for children? Provided the child is responsible and follows the instructions on caring for his contact lenses they are perfectly safe. He should wash his hands before cleaning the lenses and the case with the recommended contact lens solution, and storing the lenses as directed. Tap water, saliva or homemade saline solution should never be used to clean the lenses. The lenses should be removed immediately if the eyes feel uncomfortable. A pair of glasses should be available as backup in case the contact lenses need to be taken out or not worn for a few days. Unless prescribed by the optometrist, the child should not sleep with contact lenses.
With coloured contact lenses, it may be tempting to swap lenses with a friend, risking eye infections and other complications. Teenage girls should use hypoallergenic skin products and apply makeup after the lenses have been inserted. Makeup should be removed after the lenses have been removed.
While the child needs to understand the importance of caring for his contact lenses, parents need to play a supportive role in ensuring that this care is carried out effectively. In the early stages, the child may take time to adjust to wearing contact lenses, and the patience and encouragement of the parents will help to facilitate the adjustment process. The amount of supervision and shared responsibility will depend on the age of the child as well as on his ability to demonstrate independence in matters of personal hygiene. Children's vision changes as they grow. The most vital duty of parents is to schedule regular appointments with the child's optometrist so that both the prescription and the health of the eyes can be monitored, and the contact lenses changed if necessary.