The Right Age for Contacts

Parents often eagerly anticipate the day when their children will become more independent. However, caring for one or more young children while also tending to one's own needs can be immensely challenging. As children mature into teenagers and young adults, parents frequently grapple with determining when their offspring are prepared for the newer and greater responsibilities that lie ahead.

One common question parents ask is, "What is the appropriate age for children to begin wearing contact lenses?" There is no definitive answer, as it largely depends on the individual child. Physically, even very young children may be able to wear contacts, but may lack the responsibility and maturity required for proper eye care. Some infants do wear contact lenses as part of a medical treatment or vision correction plan. While many elementary and middle school students continue developing the understanding and skills needed to safely handle contacts, a notable number are able to perform the necessary tasks without issue.

Can Children Learn to Use Contact Lenses?

When a group of 8-11 year olds were studied, 90% were able to use daily disposable contact lenses with little to no trouble. This suggests that many younger children can learn proper hygiene and usage of contact lenses, even though parents often wait until their child is a teenager before considering this option.

If you are considering contact lenses for your child, it's important to evaluate their level of responsibility and self-care. Does your child already demonstrate the ability to perform everyday tasks like washing their hands, closing containers, and managing other self-care routines? If so, they may be ready to learn how to properly insert, remove, and care for contact lenses. However, if your child requires frequent reminders for these types of tasks, they may need more time before being able to handle the responsibilities of contact lens wear. Have an open discussion with our staff to determine if your child has the maturity and skills needed to use contact lenses safely and effectively.

Why Should Children Try Contact Lenses?

Many eye care professionals recommend that children begin wearing contact lenses between the ages of 11 and 14. While not everyone enjoys contacts, it's often beneficial to give children the opportunity to try them. By introducing contacts at a younger age, children are more likely to develop the skills needed to insert, remove, and care for them with ease.

In contrast, adults who try contact lenses later in life may require more time and effort to become comfortable with them, and may not experience the same novelty as younger wearers.

That said, some patients, regardless of age, simply prefer to wear glasses. We respect this preference and are happy to provide that option as well. Having choices is important, which is why we're more than willing to help your child learn about and potentially start wearing contact lenses.

If you'd like to discuss getting contacts for your child, please contact us to schedule a consultation. We can guide you through the exam, fitting, and follow-up process to ensure you and your child are satisfied with the new eyewear.

If you have any other questions, feel free to call and schedule an appointment. We're here to help you explore the best vision correction options for your child.