When Can Kids Wear Contacts?

Whether they’re into basketball or ballet, there are many kids who long to wear contact lenses in place of their eyeglasses. While contact lenses can now be fitted to almost 99% of those needing simple vision correction, the real question is not can my child wear contact lenses, but will my child wear contact lenses.

The age at which children can safely and correctly handle and wear contact lenses is a topic of much debate. Some children as young as eight or nine wear them successfully; others, who are much older, may never adapt to them completely.

There are many factors that influence whether a child is capable of successfully wearing contact lenses. The biggest factor is that of motivation. There must be strong desire on the part of the child (not the parent) to wear the lenses. Only then will the child be willing to go through the important initial adjustment period to become a successful wearer.

Many parents mistakenly urge their youngster to wear contact lenses, because they think their child will look or feel better. The child, however, may not want the lenses and will find excuses for avoiding them (they hurt, I lost one, I see better with my glasses, etc.) Getting into the habit of cleaning, handling, and wearing contact lenses also takes time, and the child must be willing to devote enough time to care for the lenses, until it becomes second nature. Many can successfully do this as they begin their high school years, when appearance and dating becomes so very important. As a result, the desire to look good becomes the motivating factor.

Not all children must wait until they are in high school. Many younger athletes find that contact lenses give them much better vision without having glasses sliding up and down the nose, or fogging up, or getting broken. Children involved in sports may have the motivation to wear contact lenses to eliminate the wearing of bulky eyeglasses.

Whatever your child’s age, take his or her comments about contact lenses seriously. If your child earnestly wants to wear contact lenses, then he or she may be ready to handle the requirements of proper contact lens care.