FAQs: Contact Lenses and Children

Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to eyeglasses that many patients of all ages prefer for the convenience they offer. But are they actually safe for young children? Opti-Care, your premier eye doctor, answers that and more in today’s post.

Is my child too young to wear contact lenses? 

Contacts are typically not recommended for children under the age of 12. This is due to age as well as maturity. A child needs to be responsible enough to care for their contacts and use them safely. Failure to observe proper contact lens hygiene can lead to infection and other complications.

Are children at a greater risk of complications from wearing contact lenses? 

The short answer is: yes. Unless your child can be trusted to observe proper hygiene, it’s best to stick with eyeglasses until they’re older. At Opti-Care, we offer a wide selection of eyeglasses for children in varying styles.

What safety precautions should we be aware of if my child wants contact lenses? 

Make sure to help your child understand the importance of contact lens care and hygiene. They should be able to follow these safety precautions:

1. Always wash hands before cleaning or inserting the lenses. Make sure to use a clean, lint-free cloth for drying hands.

2. Avoid exposing the lenses to saliva or any kind of water.

3. Follow the eye doctor’s instructions for caring for the lenses. Use only products and solutions recommended by your eye professional.

4. Never wear another person’s contact lenses.

5. Have a backup pair of glasses handy.

6. If wearing contacts leads to redness, itching and irritation, see an eye doctor immediately.

Once your child is eligible for contact lens wear, just turn to Opti-Care. We are not just your expert in dry eye treatments–you can also count on us for high-quality pediatric eye health. We’ll assist you with selecting the eyewear that best fits your child’s specific needs and lifestyle. We proudly serve Westminster, MD, and the neighboring areas. Call us today at (410) 795-8670 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.