As a parent, you may be looking forward to a time when your child will be more independent. It can be quite difficult to care for a young child and yourself. You may be wondering when your child will be ready for greater and newer responsibilities such as contact lenses.
Are contact lenses safe for kids? When should one start wearing them? The answers to these questions might surprise you. However, there is no definitive answer. It all depends on the individual.
At first glance, the words contact lenses and kids may not seem like they should be in the same sentence. However, what you may not know is that they can be a perfect match in many cases. However, the child in question is usually a teenager. Whether contact lenses are right for your child will depend on how responsible and mature they are.
Physically, kids can wear contact lenses. However, they may not be ready to handle the proper care and responsibility.
Many elementary and middle school kids need to continue growing or developing to practice and understand proper contact lens procedures. That said, a surprising number of them can perform the required tasks without a problem.
According to one study, most kids between the ages of eight to eleven were able to properly use daily disposable contact lenses. Nevertheless, most parents will not consider getting their kids contact lenses until they are teenagers. However, this study clearly shows that kids can learn the proper usage and hygiene of contact lenses.
Are you considering having your child fitted for contact lenses? If so, you need to consult an eye doctor and determine whether your child can handle the responsibilities. Do you need to remind your child to clean their hands? Do they need regular reminders to close containers or doors? These are some of the factors that can help you determine whether contact lenses are right for your child.
In many cases, eye care professionals recommend contact lens wear for kids aged between 11 and 14 years with certain vision issues. Many people do not enjoy wearing contact lenses. This is one of the reasons why you should let your vision-impaired child try them out at an early age.
This will allow them the opportunity to develop the skills required to place and remove them with ease. Adults are still capable of learning how to use and care for contacts lenses. But in many cases, they do not enjoy the novelty as younger people do.
Contact lenses can help your little one feel more confident. Other benefits of contacts include:
They are better and more comfortable when it comes to playing sports
They can help slow down the progression of myopia
They provide better peripheral vision
According to the American Optometric Association, you should consider certain factors before getting your child contact lenses. These include their interest in contact lenses, hygiene habits, maturity level, and sports participation.
For more on contact lenses, contact Clarity Vision in Holly Springs, North Carolina, at (919) 646-2900 today to request an appointment.