If your child is bugging you for contact lenses, you might be trying to figure out the right time to say yes. It's important to note that there is no hard-fast rule about the right age for contact lenses. However, there are a few ways to determine the right time to say yes to contacts. Take a look at four milestones your child should pass before they're ready for contacts.
They Do Chores and Homework without Reminders
You might not think that chores. Homework and contacts would go together, but they do. If your child gets to their chores and homework without needing constant reminders, it's a good indication that they won't need reminded to care for their contacts.
They're Responsible for Their Own Hygiene
Contact lenses need to be kept clean. Before your child gets contact lenses, they should be responsible for their own personal hygiene. That means they should wash their hands before meals without being reminded and should be able to prepare their own baths or showers. If they're doing those things, chances are they're going to keep their contact lenses clean too.
They Take Good Care of Their Glasses
If you're child constantly loses or damages their prescription eye glasses, they're probably not ready to wear contact lenses. However, if they wear their glasses are prescribed, keep them in good repair and don't lose them anymore, it might be time to talk to their optometrist about contact lenses. This is particularly true if your child can keep their glasses in good condition through the entire lifespan of the prescription – usually about 1 to 2 years.
They're Into Sports
If your child is active in sports, it's probably time for them to have contact lenses. Glasses can be difficult to wear during sports, and can hinder your child's performance. Not only that, but if the glasses break while your child is playing, their eyes may suffer serious damage. Talk to your optometrist about contact lenses, even if your child only wears during sporting events.
Their Prescription is Stable
Vision problems can change rapidly, especially in young children. It's best to wait for contact lenses until their prescription stops changing. If your child has kept the same prescription for at least one year, it might be time for contacts. Getting contacts before their vision problems stabilize, may require you to order new contacts more often than you had planned.
It can be difficult to tell when your child is ready for contact lenses. If your child has passed the milestones listed above, it might be time for your kids to get contact lenses. For further assistance, contact a local optometrist, such as Jeffrey C. Fogt, OD.
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