5 Myths About Kids and Contact Lenses—Busted!
Contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses, especially for kids who lead active lifestyles! They won’t break while playing sports, fog up in cold weather, or slide down their nose during the day. But despite the many benefits, some parents are hesitant about getting contact lenses for their children.
At Optometrists’ Clinic, we want to put your mind at ease! Here are five common myths about kids and contact lenses—debunked.
Myth #1: Kids Aren’t Old Enough to Wear Contact Lenses
Many people assume that contacts are only for teenagers and adults, but that’s not true! Children as young as eight years old can successfully wear contact lenses. While younger kids may need guidance at first, they often adapt quickly to inserting, removing, and caring for their lenses—sometimes even faster than adults!
The key factor isn’t age, but responsibility. If your child can handle other daily hygiene tasks, like brushing their teeth or washing their hands, they can likely manage contact lenses too.
Myth #2: Kids Won’t Be Able to Take Care of Their Contacts
It’s understandable to worry that children won’t properly clean or store their lenses. But caring for contacts is much simpler than many parents think! Most kids quickly get the hang of washing their hands before handling their lenses and following basic hygiene instructions.
If you’re still concerned, daily disposable contact lenses are a great option! With dailies, there’s no cleaning or storing required—your child simply puts in a fresh pair each morning and throws them away at night.
Myth #3: Kids Are More Likely to Have Problems With Contacts Than Adults
Some parents fear that contact lenses will cause eye infections or irritation in kids more often than in adults. But research shows that children aren’t any more prone to complications than grown-ups—as long as they use their lenses correctly.
The most common issues with contact lenses, like eye infections, usually result from improper hygiene. Teaching your child good contact lens habits—such as washing hands before touching their lenses, not sleeping in them, and replacing them as directed—can help keep their eyes healthy and comfortable.
Myth #4: Kids Need a Stable Prescription Before Wearing Contacts
It’s true that children’s prescriptions can change as they grow, but that doesn’t mean they have to wait for stable vision before getting contacts. In fact, many kids successfully wear contacts even as their prescription changes!
A great option for kids with fluctuating vision is daily disposable lenses. Since these lenses are replaced each day, updating prescriptions is easy and cost-effective. Your optometrist can help determine the best contact lens type for your child based on their vision needs.
Myth #5: Kids Don’t Need Glasses if They Have Contacts
Even if your child wears contact lenses regularly, they should still have an up-to-date pair of glasses. There are times when contact lenses aren’t an option, such as:
- During eye infections or allergies
- If they experience dry eye symptoms
- For late-night reading or screen time
- When they need a break from lenses after prolonged wear
Just like adults, kids shouldn’t wear contacts for more than 12 hours a day. Having a reliable pair of glasses ensures they always have clear vision, even when they’re not wearing their lenses.
Is Your Child Ready for Contact Lenses?
If you’re considering contact lenses for your child, Optometrists’ Clinic is here to help! Our experienced optometrists can assess whether contacts are a good fit, recommend the best lens type, and teach your child how to insert, remove, and care for their lenses properly.
Book an appointment today at one of our Edmonton, Leduc, or Westlock locations! We’ll make sure your child gets the best vision correction option for their needs.
