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Types of Contact Lenses for Kids: What to Consider
For children, contact lenses can provide distinct advantages over glasses, offering enhanced freedom and flexibility. They allow for a wider field of vision, which can be especially helpful during activities like sports or outdoor play, and they can also increase a child’s self-confidence, particularly in social and school environments. However, transitioning from glasses to contact lenses involves more than just reaching a certain age—it requires evaluating your child’s maturity, responsibility, and their ability to manage eye care properly.
At Grene Vision Group, we strive to provide both parents and children with the knowledge needed to properly wear and care for contact lenses. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of contact lenses suitable for kids, share helpful tips for safe usage, and offer insights on how to assess if your child is ready to take on the responsibility of wearing contact lenses. Armed with this information, you'll be able to make an informed decision that ensures both your child’s vision and eye health are well-supported for the future.
Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lenses for Your Child
Picking the right contact lenses for your child involves considering their age, prescription, and daily activities. With various contact lens types available, each option brings unique advantages and considerations to ensure the best fit for your child’s needs.
Daily disposable lenses are designed for single-use and must be discarded after each day. These lenses require minimal cleaning, which greatly reduces the risk of infections, making them an excellent choice for younger children or those trying contacts for the first time. While single-use lenses may come at a higher cost over time, they provide a low-maintenance solution, ensuring good hygiene without the hassle of cleaning or storing lenses.
Monthly or two-week disposable lenses are replaced after a set time, either every 30 days or 14 days, depending on the type. These lenses are typically more cost-effective than daily disposables if your child follows a regular cleaning and storage routine. Monthly and bi-weekly lenses offer a wide range of prescriptions but require diligent care to avoid the risk of eye infections. They are a great option for older children or teens who are responsible enough to manage lens cleaning and storage on their own.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are made from durable materials that allow oxygen to reach the cornea. These lenses are often recommended for children with specific vision needs, such as astigmatism, and can provide sharper vision for some prescriptions. While RGP lenses are durable and offer long-term benefits, they may require a longer adjustment period and consistent cleaning. These lenses are ideal for children or teens with unique visual needs who can handle the cleaning routine and adjustment period.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. This option is particularly helpful in slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in some children. However, Ortho-K lenses require strict adherence to an overnight wearing and cleaning schedule. These lenses are best for older, responsible children or teens who are committed to a consistent routine and prefer the convenience of clear daytime vision without corrective eyewear.
How to Know If Your Child Ready for Contact Lenses
Deciding when your child is ready for contact lenses involves more than just their age. Key factors to consider include their maturity, sense of responsibility, and their commitment to following proper lens care guidelines to ensure safe and effective use.
Young Children (8-12 Years Old)
For younger children, daily disposable lenses are often the best choice. These lenses are designed for one-time use, which removes the need for cleaning and significantly lowers the risk of infection. This feature is particularly helpful for children still working on establishing consistent hygiene habits.
Even though younger children can wear contact lenses, they should always be supervised by a parent or guardian. Parents should guide them in properly inserting, removing, and disposing of the lenses. It’s also critical to remind children to wash their hands thoroughly before touching their lenses and emphasize the importance of keeping their lenses dry—especially when swimming or showering.
Preteens and Teenagers (13-17 Years Old)
Preteens and teenagers who show a strong sense of responsibility in other areas of life may be ready to transition to longer-wear lenses, like monthly or bi-weekly disposables. Teens who independently manage tasks such as homework or chores are typically capable of handling the responsibility of contact lens care.
While teens may take charge of their lens care routine, it’s still important for parents to occasionally check in and ensure proper hygiene practices are followed. For active teens, contact lenses can offer enhanced comfort and improved peripheral vision, which is especially helpful in sports and other physical activities. Responsible teens may also benefit from specialty lenses like RGP or Ortho-K lenses, depending on their eye care needs and optometrist's advice.
Best Practices for Contact Lens Usage
Creating strong habits early on is essential for children and teens who wear contact lenses. This ensures comfort and reduces the risk of complications. Here are some key practices to keep your child’s contact lens wear safe and their eyes in great health:
Practice Proper Hygiene: Always ensure that your child washes their hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling their lenses. Dry hands with a clean towel to prevent transferring germs or bacteria that could lead to eye infections. It’s important to remind them never to rinse or store contact lenses in tap water, as it can introduce harmful bacteria into the lenses and the eyes.
Follow the Replacement Schedule: If your child uses daily disposable lenses, remind them to discard them after each use. For monthly or bi-weekly lenses, ensure that they are replaced on time to avoid potential eye issues. Never allow your child to wear their lenses beyond the recommended wear time, and avoid sleeping in lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight use. Doing so can lead to serious problems like infections.
Clean and Store Lenses Correctly: Always clean the lenses with the disinfecting or multipurpose solution recommended by your optometrist. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not enough to disinfect the lenses. The lens case should also be cleaned daily, air-dried, and replaced every three months to prevent contamination.
Watch for Discomfort: If your child experiences redness, irritation, or blurry vision, have them remove the lenses immediately and contact an optometrist for guidance. Encourage them to communicate any discomfort, dryness, or persistent blurred vision before continuing to wear their lenses.
Limit Water Exposure: Water can carry harmful bacteria that could contaminate contact lenses. Unless specifically advised by an eye care professional, avoid wearing lenses while swimming or engaging in water-based activities. Prescription goggles can be a safer alternative in these cases.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Because children's vision can change rapidly, regular eye exams are essential. Annual or semiannual visits help ensure your child’s contact lenses fit properly, their prescription remains up-to-date, and any issues like discomfort or infections are addressed promptly.
Find the Right Contact Lenses for Your Child at Grene Vision Group
Selecting the right contact lenses for your child can significantly improve their vision and give them more freedom in everyday activities. However, it's important to consider factors like age, maturity, and their ability to responsibly care for their lenses. By understanding the various types of lenses available, practicing proper hygiene, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can ensure that contact lens use remains both safe and beneficial for your child.
At Grene Vision Group, we’re committed to helping your family through every step of the process—whether you're deciding if your child is ready for contacts or need guidance on lens care and safety. If you’re thinking about contact lenses for your child or have any questions, schedule a contact lens exam with us today. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that promotes your child’s eye health and ensures their eyes stay comfortable and clear.