Is Your Teen Ready for Contacts?

Many teens in Spring Valley who wear glasses are eager to try contact lenses for convenience, sports, or simply as another option for vision correction. For teens who feel self-conscious in their glasses, contact lenses can help boost confidence. Young athletes and swimmers often find that contacts are an excellent choice for sports, especially as more kids are becoming involved in travel teams and club sports outside of school.

While contacts might seem like the perfect solution for teens who need corrective eyewear, they come with real responsibility. Improper use of contact lenses can cause severe discomfort, infections, irritation, and in the worst cases, eye damage or even permanent vision loss. Before making the switch, it is important for both parents and teens to understand what is involved.

Why Are Contact Lenses Considered a Medical Device?

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and should always be treated as such. They should never be obtained without a valid contact lens prescription from an eye doctor, and they should always be purchased from an authorized seller. Poorly fitting contact lenses bought from illegitimate sources have been known to cause micro-abrasions on the cornea, increasing the risk of eye infection and, in severe cases, corneal ulcers.

For kids and teens in particular, it is best to purchase contact lenses through an eye care practice. An eye doctor has the expertise to properly fit lenses based on the shape of the eye, the prescription, the lifestyle of the child, and other factors that influence comfort, eye health, and daily wear success.

What Age Can Kids Start Wearing Contacts?

There is some debate about the recommended age for kids to start wearing contact lenses. While many eye care professionals suggest the ideal window is between 11 and 14, there are responsible children as young as 8 who have successfully begun wearing them. When children are motivated and parents are able to help reinforce the daily care routine, earlier contact lens use can work well.

A practical way to gauge whether your child is responsible enough for contacts is to consider their habits at home. Do they keep their room reasonably tidy? Do they brush their teeth regularly without reminders? These everyday routines can be good indicators of whether a child is ready for the added responsibility of contact lens care.

What to Expect at a Contact Lens Fitting

When you think your teen might be ready, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a contact lens exam and fitting. The process typically involves a few visits. The first appointment includes the exam itself, followed by a training session where your teen learns how to insert, remove, and care for lenses. After trying the lenses at home for a period, a follow-up visit reassesses comfort and fit. It is common to try more than one type of lens before finding the best option.

Which Type of Contact Lens Is Best for Teens?

The good news is that contact lens technology has improved significantly, making safety, health, and convenience more accessible than ever. There are several options to consider, including the lens material (soft or rigid gas permeable), the replacement schedule (daily, biweekly, or monthly disposables), and the wearing schedule (daily wear or extended overnight wear).

Single-use daily disposable lenses have become especially popular with younger wearers. They are easy to use, require no cleaning or storing, and reduce the risk of infection from improper lens care. Your teen simply discards the lenses at night and opens a fresh pair in the morning. Your eye doctor can help determine which option best suits your teen’s needs and lifestyle.

Contact Lens Safety Tips Every Teen Should Follow

The following guidelines are essential for any contact lens wearer. If your teen can consistently follow these rules, they may be ready for contacts:

• Always follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your eye doctor.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap before inserting or removing contact lenses.
• Never use anything other than contact lens solution to clean or rinse contacts. Tap water, saliva, and other liquids are not safe substitutes.
• Never reuse contact lens solution.
• Follow your eye doctor’s guidance about swimming or showering while wearing lenses.
• Remove your lenses immediately if they cause irritation, redness, or discomfort, and contact your eye doctor if symptoms persist.
• Never sleep in your lenses unless they are specifically approved for extended wear.
• Never use contact lenses that were not prescribed by an eye doctor. This includes cosmetic and costume lenses, which still require a valid prescription.

When Should You Schedule a Follow-Up?

Contact lens use is an ongoing process. As your child grows, the lens fit may change, so it is important to have annual contact lens assessments. These visits allow your eye doctor to check the health of the eyes, update the prescription if needed, and recommend newer lens options as technology continues to improve.

If your teen experiences sudden eye pain, significant redness, discharge, or a sudden change in vision while wearing contacts, remove the lenses right away and seek prompt eye care. These can be signs of an infection or other condition that needs immediate attention.

To schedule a contact lens exam and fitting for your teen, call Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to book an appointment. Our team in Spring Valley is here to help your teen get started with contact lenses safely and comfortably.