According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 24 million Americans wear contact lenses. While most of this population consists of adults, many older children also wear contact lenses. Contact lenses offer distinctive benefits for children old enough to properly wear and maintain this slightly riskier eyewear.
Reasons for Wearing Contacts
Contacts are thin pieces of clear plastic that are worn directly on the cornea. According to the Children's Hospital Boston, contact lenses may be prescribed to treat refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Contact lenses improve a child's vision by adding or subtracting focusing power from the eye, allowing the child to see more clearly. According to KidsHealth from Nemours, contact lenses may also be used to correct vision in infants who have undergone cataract removal surgery.
Eligible Children
With the exception of children who have had cataracts removed, contact lenses are not usually prescribed for children under the age of 11. Contacts may be an appropriate option to treat refractive errors in children 11 years and older if children meet certain requirements regarding medical conditions and maturity.
Contraindications
Some children, even those older than 11, are not good candidates for contact lenses. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, medical conditions such as dry eye, frequent eye infections and severe allergies make contacts an unwise option. Contacts are also inappropriate for children who lack the capability and dedication to safely care for contact lenses.
Contacts vs. Glasses
As the Children's Hospital Boston explains, eyeglasses and contacts both work to improve a child's vision. As the American Academy of Pediatrics points out, however, some children, especially some teens, may feel self-conscious wearing glasses and consequently may avoid wearing them as much as possible. In addition to cosmetic concerns, contacts can also be a simpler option for children who play sports, as KidsHealth from Nemours notes. If you're at all concerned that your child may not be capable of caring for contacts, however, sticking with glasses may be the safer and less stressful choice. Your child's doctor can help you make the decision about contacts if you're unsure about which to choose.
Getting and Maintaining Contacts
According DukeHealth.org, an ophthalmologist needs to fully examine your child's eyes to make sure that contact lenses are a safe option. If your doctor gives your child a prescription for contacts, you must ensure that your child is vigilant about properly wearing and caring for the contacts. As KidsHealth from Nemours explains, such care includes properly inserting and removing the lenses and cleaning and disinfecting the lenses in the manner recommended by your doctor. Children who wear contacts should receive yearly vision check-ups to update their prescription. According to DukeHealth.org, children should also keep a pair of up-to-date glasses to wear when not using their contacts.
