For children who wear glasses, the idea of switching to contact lenses can be exciting. Whether it’s for sports, aesthetics, or convenience, many kids ask their parents if they can make the change. But as a parent, how do you know when the time is right?
How Old is Old Enough for Switching to Contact Lenses?
There’s no hard and fast rule for when a child is ready for contact lenses—it depends more on their maturity than their age. Many recommendations suggest waiting until at least age 10, but some younger children are responsible enough to handle contacts with proper guidance. Consider whether your child consistently handles responsibilities like brushing their teeth or doing chores. If they’re not great at keeping track of their glasses, they may struggle with contacts.
Are Contact Lenses the Right Choice?
Switching to contact lenses isn’t just about convenience or appearance. Here are some additional factors that parents should evaluate when making their decision:
- Lifestyle and Activities – Contacts are ideal for kids involved in sports or activities where glasses can get in the way. For example, wearing contacts under a helmet is much easier than trying to keep glasses secure during a game.
- Eye Health – Not all children are good candidates for contact lenses. Certain eye conditions, like severe allergies or dry eye, may make contacts uncomfortable or impractical. During the exam, we can assess whether your child’s eyes are suitable to make the switch.
- Hygiene and Responsibility – Contacts require a high level of hygiene. If your child isn’t diligent about washing their hands, cleaning their contacts, and following care instructions, glasses may remain the safer option.
Important Care Instructions
If you decide that switching to contact lenses is the right choice for your child, it’s essential to teach them proper care. Start with these tips:
- Always Wash Hands – Before touching contacts, hands should be washed with soap and water and dried with a lint-free towel.
- Follow Wearing Schedules – Encourage your child to stick to the recommended wearing time. Overwearing lenses can lead to eye infections or irritation.
- Clean Lenses Properly – For reusable lenses, use the recommended solution to clean and store them. Never rinse lenses with water or saliva.
- Replace as Directed – Disposable lenses should be discarded after the recommended wear period, even if they seem fine.
- Watch for Warning Signs – Teach your child to report any discomfort, redness, or blurry vision immediately. These could be signs of an infection or other issues requiring professional attention.
Work With the Family Vision Team to Make Switching to Contact Lenses a Success
Making the switch to contact lenses can be a positive experience for many children. By carefully considering the important factors discussed above and working closely with our knowledgeable team, you can help them make a smooth and successful transition. When you visit Family Vision Development Center, we will evaluate your child’s eye health, discuss the pros and cons of the various types of contact lens choices and materials, help you decide as a family what the right choice would be for your child’s lifestyle and preferences, and even guide them through their first fitting. Of course, we will answer any questions you or your child may have so that everyone is comfortable with this new responsibility. This is an exciting and empowering time for your child and we look forward to helping during this time. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our office at 630-862-2020.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.