What Parents Need To Know About Contacts For Children

8 March 2016
 Categories: , Blog

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If you are sick and tired of wearing glasses, contacts are an ideal option. Does your child seem to have frustrations with glasses as well? Your child just might be ready for contact lenses. While it may seem unnerving to get contacts for a child, it is not at all unusual. In general, children can wear contacts at a young age, but there are some other factors that can help you make the final decision.

Your Child's Level of Maturity

The first thing to consider is how well adjusted and mature your child is. Contacts require a lot of work and responsibility. They must be maintained and kept very clean in order to prevent eye irritation. If you child can handle their household responsibilities, chances are they are mature enough to have contacts. Showing initiative and caring for their possessions is a good indicator that your child can keep up with the responsibility of contact lenses.

A Child Who is Very Active

If your child is very active in sports or other activities, contacts can be very beneficial. They do not slip and fall off the face or fog up in hot weather. They also do not inhibit the child's sight in the way glasses can during physical activity. More importantly, they provide better peripheral vision so that they child can see clearly while being active.

A Child Who Needs Some Self Esteem

If your child needs a self-esteem boost and has the responsibility to handle contacts, it may be a good idea to have your child fitted. Some kids do not like how they look or feel when they wear glasses. Getting contacts can help them have a better perception of their own image and identity, which can boost their confidence.

What Parents Need to Know

It is imperative to keep in mind that the child will still have to wear glasses at different points in time. There will be a variety of reasons why your child may have to wear his or her glasses, whether it is to let the eyes rest after an eye infection or at times at night when the eyes need a break.

Also, try to avoid forcing contacts onto your child. If he or she is not ready for them, it will not be a good experience. It can result in frustration in the child, which can prevent them from ever wanting to wear them. If the child is not ready, try waiting for the child to mature for a year and try them again. The process can be overwhelming, so make sure they are ready to handle it. To learn more, contact an optometrist clinic like Hampton Park Optometry