Children and Contact Lenses: What Parents Need to Know
Before my daughter started wearing contact lenses, I had questions and concerns — which are most likely the same as any parent facing this decision. Is she too young? Is she responsible enough? I knew contact lenses were an option, but was it a good and realistic option for her? What kind should she wear?
Here are some facts and information that parents need to know when it comes to children and contact lenses.
Are contact lenses a good idea for kids?
Reasons why contact lenses are considered for children vary. It could be a safety and comfort solution when in sports, too many lost or broken glasses, or simply preference. For my own daughter, it seemed to be all of these reasons.
However, there is one primary reason that you need to be familiar with when considering contact lenses for your child. As your child grows, their eyes will also continue to grow. This means that their myopia (nearsightedness) is likely to worsen. Worsening myopia can leave a significant impact on their everyday life, and can possibly lead to future eye health problems such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, or even permanent blindness 1.
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by CooperVision
Glasses can help children see clearly, but have little or no effect when it comes to slowing the progression of myopia. CooperVision MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are the world’s first 1-day soft contact lens proven to slow myopia progression in children by 59%2.
These lenses take eye health one step further by reducing the rate of myopia progression. It’s not just an extra step, it’s the most important step.
When is a child ready for contact lenses?
Children are ready to start wearing contact lenses around eight years old because that is typically when kids develop the dexterity and responsibility required to insert and remove contact lenses on their own.
Next, is making sure that kids understand the importance of healthy habits when it comes to eye health. Good hygiene is key!
In my experience, if a child is motivated and has that desire to wear contacts, the how-tos and hygiene habits will fall into place. Once they know these factors are dependant on them wearing lenses, skill and routine come much easier.
Over a three-year study period, 90% of children said they preferred wearing their CooperVision MiSight® 1 day contact lenses over wearing glasses2. Another benefit of 1-day lenses is not having to worry about cleaning solutions or contact lens cases.
Over a three-year study period, 90% of children said they preferred wearing their MiSight® 1 day contact lenses over wearing glasses. One benefit of having 1 day lenses is also not having to worry about kids properly cleaning lenses and cases.
Tips for wearing contact lenses
Always wash your hands and DRY them thoroughly before handling your contact lenses, and never wear a damaged lens. If your eyes are red and/or sore, or if your eyes are feeling irritated, do not wear your lenses.
Always start with the same eye every time as you’ll be less likely to switch the lenses by mistake. Don’t rush and remember that it may take a while at first, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Confidence and skill comes with practice.
For MiSight® 1 day lenses, the recommended wearer schedule is 10 or more hours per day, six or more days per week. It’s a good idea to keep an extra pair in your child’s backpack in case one comes out at school.
Regular appointments are important to assess progress, so make sure to follow up with your eye care professional.
MiSight Feedback from Kids
It’s one thing to know the information and be armed with tips on use, yet when it comes down to it, it’s all about the comfort and benefits to the wearer, right? Feedback from kids on wearing MiSight® 1 day contact lenses is important information as well.
According to kids themselves, 85% of children said MiSight® 1 day lenses were easy to insert, and 100% said they were easy to remove. 90% of children said they preferred wearing their MiSight® 1 day contact lenses over wearing glasses, and 98% reported seeing well while playing outdoors2.
When it comes to children and contact lenses, information is the first step to success. Now that you’re initially equipped, are you ready to Fight Myopia and try MiSight® 1 day contact lenses with your kids?
Talk to your eye care professional about your child and contact lenses.
References:
1. Bourne RR, Stevens GA, White RA, Smith JL, Flaxman SR, Price H et al. Causes of vision loss worldwide, 1990-2010: a systematic analysis. Lancet Global Health. 2013;1:e339–e349.
2. Chamberlain P, Logan N, Jones D, Gonzalez-Meijome J, Saw S-M, Young G. Clinical evaluation of a dual-focus myopia control 1 day soft contact lens: 3-year results. Presented at: British Contact Lens Association Clinical Conference, Liverpool, England. Compared with a single-vision, one-day lens over a three-year period. Individual results may vary. Data on file, CooperVision.
I can’t imagine the average 8 year old having the hygiene to wear contact lenses… Of course each child is different… How old was your daughter at the time Tammi?
She was about 11 maybe. It really depends on the kid, and how bad they want them. Like all kids, they are more diligent when it’s something they want right? Ha! It might take more practice for littles, but ultimately it’s a learned skill.
My husband started wearing contacts when he was 12yrs old. He found it life changing since he was involved in competitive sports.
I’d agree Mary, my daughter had a hard time wearing glasses in sports. Life changing indeed!
My kids both wear contacts. First at 11, now the youngest at 11. Love them for swimming and sports!