If you’re wondering at what age your kids can start wearing contacts, you’re not alone. Many parents ask us this very question every day. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. At Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. we often tell kids and adults alike that there isn’t a specified minimum at which one can start wearing contact lenses. Your eye doctor in Edmonton may even tell you that in some scenarios, babies and toddlers wear contacts. However, that doesn’t mean every child is a good fit for wearing contacts. Here’s what you need to know.
Wearing Contact Lenses is a Responsibility
Just like doing homework and putting away toys, wearing contacts is a responsibility that not every young person can manage efficiently. If your child is the type that brushes their teeth without prompting, keeps their room tidy and is also a dedicated student, it’s likely they can manage the proper care that’s required for wearing contacts. Though complications associated with using contact lenses are rare, when wearers mismanage their contacts, issues become far more likely. Contacts require diligent cleaning and strict observance of recommended protocols, the nature of which depends on the type used. Is your child capable of following a contact care regime? Only you and your child know.
The Cool Factor
It’s natural that your child should want to look his or her best. However, in some instances children feel pressured by peers or even bullied into giving up their prescription glasses. For the sake of the safety and well-being of your child, it’s worth investigating to uncover the root behind why they wish to use contacts instead of glasses. There may be an issue at their Edmonton school that they have yet to disclose.
Benefits of Using Contact Lenses
Though using contacts requires care and daily maintenance, they have many benefits over glasses that may be appealing for your child and suitable to their lifestyle. Some of the most noteworthy benefits are the following.
They’re great for kids who play sports. While it’s always possible to get prescription safety glasses in Edmonton, St. Albert and elsewhere (just ask your optometrist), contacts are still far less cumbersome. They also offer much better peripheral vision, which can be a huge competitive advantage on the field or ice.
Superior vision. Glasses get smeared and smudged throughout the day, fog up in the rain or snow, and often get scratched. Any or all of these things can impede vision. Contact wearers don’t have these problems.
Freedom of movement. Kids run, jump, skip, twirl, hop, dance and crouch. Often, glasses can feel restrictive to the way they naturally move. Contacts are a more freeing means to correct vision.
Start with an Eye Exam To help decide whether or not your child is a good candidate for contact lenses, please consult your eye doctor in Edmonton. Contact us today to book an appointment or for more information.