My Child Wants Contact Lenses. What’s the Right Age to Consider It?

Many children who wear glasses decide they’d like to switch to contact lenses. This is incredibly common, but as a parent, you may wonder if your child is old enough or responsible enough to make the switch.

At Wide Eye Optometry in Encino, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale, California, Mary Demirjian, OD, and our seasoned team often prescribe contacts to children and teens. Here, we discuss the recommended age for contact lenses, factors to consider, and how to determine if your child is a good candidate.

What’s the right age for contact lenses?

The answer to this question varies greatly, but we typically suggest that kids avoid switching from glasses to contacts until they’re at least 10-12 years old. The FDA has approved certain types of contact lenses — for myopia management — for children eight years and older, but it’s important to consider your child’s personality and behavior before moving forward. 

Age isn’t as much of an issue as maturity. Since contacts require regular cleaning and maintenance, your child must be responsible enough to follow proper care instructions. Some young kids are great at managing lens care, while some teens struggle with responsibility, and vice versa. 

Signs your child may be ready for contacts

Thankfully, some close observation can help you make the right decision. Clear signs your child or teen is ready for contact lenses include:

• Practicing good personal hygiene (i.e., washing their hands, bathing, and brushing their teeth regularly)
• Being responsible (i.e., handling tasks like homework, chores, and pet care)
• A willingness to follow instructions carefully (i.e., paying attention to cleaning their contacts properly and as directed)
• Doing activities where glasses can be cumbersome (i.e., playing contact sports) 

Although it takes every new contact lens wearer some time to adjust, the above indications can help you feel confident in your choice to allow your child to try contacts. 

Types of contact lenses for kids and teens

Contact lenses have come a long way since they first hit the market. While they were once made of glass, today’s lenses are more comfortable, easier to clean, and require less maintenance. 

We offer several types of contact lenses to support children and their families, including:

• Daily disposable lenses, which are low maintenance and great for younger kids
• Soft lenses, which are comfortable and easy to adjust to 
• Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses for kids with myopia (nearsightedness)
• Rigid permeable gas lenses, which provide crystal-clear vision and are great for teens

After completing a thorough eye exam and visual acuity testing, our pediatric eye care specialists can recommend contact lenses that align with your child’s needs. 

Talk to an eye doctor about getting your child contact lenses

If your child has a refractive error, like farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, contact lenses can be a great vision correction option, as long as they’re responsible and motivated. Call or visit us online to schedule a contact lens evaluation at your nearest Wide Eye Optometry office in Encino, Santa Clarita, or Palmdale, California, today.