Is Your Teenager Ready for Contact Lenses?

Chances are if your teenager wears glasses for vision correction you should prepare yourself for the day that he or she begins to inquire about the possibility of switching to contact lenses or maybe they have already posed the question. The reasons why teens desire to wear contact lenses rather than glasses vary from one to another. Some teens prefer contacts because they believe they will improve their self-image others desire contacts since they are more comfortable while playing sports or participating in other outdoor activities.

Technically, there is no set age limit on when a teen or child can begin to wear contacts; however, most eye care practitioners do not begin to suggest contacts lenses for patients until they are between the ages of 11 and 14. The larger indicator on whether your child is ready for contact lenses their level of maturity, responsibility and commitment. As a parent, you will be the most qualified to determine if your teen is ready to become a contact lens wearer.

Making the Switch from Glasses to Contact Lenses

Eye exam and contact lenses fitting – Although your child may already have a current eyeglass prescription, he or she will need to see an eye care practitioner for a contact lens fitting. If your child is due for an exam, the eye care practitioner will be able to perform the exam and contact lens fitting during the same appointment; however, your child may need to return for subsequent follow-up visits after wearing the lenses for a certain amount of time.

Proper cleaning and care – When your teen approaches you about switching to contacts, it is imperative that you make certain that he or she understands the importance of proper lens care, personal hygiene and its relationship to their eye health and vision. As a parent you should make sure that both you and your teen understand the cleaning and care instructions provided by the eye care practitioner and that an adequate amount of cleaning supplies are available on a continuous basis.

Consider a trial period – Some parents may be concerned about whether or not their teen is mature and responsible enough to keep up with the maintenance and care for contact lenses. If you feel this way, consider allowing your teen to try out a pair of lenses on a trail basis. Set a timeframe during which you will observe their compliance with the necessary maintenance before making a final decision on their use of contact lenses.

When you discuss the possibility of switching to contact lenses with your teenager, you should make sure that he or she understands that there is a possibility that contacts may not be an option for them. While advances in lens technology have allowed more people to wear contact lenses for vision correction, there is still a small chance that eyeglasses may be a better option for your teen especially if he or she has a difficult time applying and removing the lenses on their own.

If your teen is interested in wearing contacts, both you and your teen should consider reading Contact Lens Basics, Proper Contact Lens Care and Common Problems Encountered by Contact Wearers to gain a better understanding of what the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses will entail.