Contact Lenses for Kids: Your Guide to Kids Vision Care

November 20, 2023

Have you ever watched a delicate and small butterfly take its first flight? That’s how it feels when your little one finally ditches the glasses for contact lenses for kids. It’s like they’ve spread their wings to explore a world unobstructed by frames. Our team of optometrist s specializes in myopia control and will provide a comprehensive eye exam to determine the best contact lens prescription.

The decision might seem as light as gossamer. But I assure you—it’s no child’s play. From selecting suitable contact lens types to maintaining impeccable hygiene habits—there are quite a few loops to jump through for myopia control.

In this post, we’ll serve up some insights on myopia that can help ease the transition from glasses to contacts—a giant leap, indeed! You’ll learn about the potential risks and benefits of improved sports performance with contacts and tips on daily disposable soft lenses.

We’ll even touch upon crucial safety precautions needed while using these miniature medical devices designed especially for young visionaries.

Is it Safe for Kids to Wear Contact Lenses?

Looking for contact lenses for kids? Let's start out with some safety concerns

The safety of kids wearing contact lenses often sparks questions. Some parents worry about potential risks like eye infections, while others question if their child can handle the responsibility of wearing glasses. However, children can safely wear contacts under proper supervision by an optometrist and with good hygiene habits.

A significant stat to consider is that approximately 13,500 children out of the 70,000 who visit emergency rooms each year due to complications from medical devicesrelated to contact lens wear are related to myopia. It sounds alarming, but remember, this is only a small fraction compared to those who successfully use them daily.

Contact lenses for kids offer numerous benefits over traditional glasses in terms of comfort and convenience, especially when playing sports or engaging in physical activities where glasses might be cumbersome or unsafe. Myopia control is also an important consideration for kids with nearsightedness.

Yet, one cannot ignore the importance of personal cleanliness when handling these delicate optical aids. Poor hygiene could lead to adverse events such as corneal ulcers – painful open sores on the outer layer of your eyeball, which can cause blurred vision problems or even loss of sight if left untreated. To ensure proper eye care, it is recommended to schedule regular appointments with an optometrist for an eye exam and contact lens prescription.

This is why instilling correct lens care practices early on ensures that your child’s experience with contact lenses remains positive and free from complications throughout their lifetime. Remember, clean hands make safe lens wearers.

Kids have successfully used rigid eye contact lens types and soft contacts, which are recommended due to their comfortability factor among younger users. Plus, they also pose less risk than hard ones should there ever be any accidental impact directly onto the eye during playtime, outdoor games, etcetera. Contact lens prescription

Benefits of Contact Lenses for Kids

If your child has trouble with vision correction, you might be wondering if children can wear contact lenses

Contact lenses can be a game-changer in sports activities. Children often find glasses uncomfortable and limiting during physical activity. But contacts offer clear peripheral vision, helping them stay alert on the field and improve distance vision.

The freedom from frames allows kids to focus more on their performance than adjusting eyewear every now and then. It’s no surprise that many children who switch to wearing contact lenses experience improvements in their coordination and confidence while playing sports. Eye care practitioner s can help determine the appropriate contact lens prescription for myopia control.

A study found that nearsighted children had improved visual acuity when using contacts compared to wearing glasses. The research also showed that these young lens wearers experienced enhanced self-perception about their physical appearance, athletic competence, and social acceptance.

This means the decision to let your child start wearing contacts could be more than just about clearer vision; it could also boost his or her self-esteem.

Here’s an interesting study detailing how much kids benefit from using contact lenses instead of glasses.

Types of Contact Lenses Suitable for Kids

Kids need vision correction just as adults do. So, which type of contact lenses are best choice for children?

The first type of contact lens that comes to mind is a daily disposable soft contact. They’re easy to use and a good fit for most children. Studies have shown that even children around 8 years old can successfully wear these daily disposable soft contact lenses.

Daily disposables eliminate the need for lens care routines and cut down on the risk of infection—something every parent would appreciate.

MiSight® 1 Day: The Game Changer in Soft Contacts

If we delve deeper into soft contacts specifically designed with kids in mind, MiSight® 1-day contact lenses stand out. These marvels are FDA-approved and celebrated by eye healthcare professionals globally—they slow down myopia progression (that’s nearsightedness) by an average of 59%.

Besides being safe and comfortable to wear, MiSight® harnesses cutting-edge technology to slow down myopia development in kids. This isn’t just any regular pair of contact lenses; it’s more like having your personal ‘eye fitness’ coach. Your child might start wearing them as young as eight but will find they adapt well as he or she grows older – making them a smart long-term choice. Remember, this information doesn’t replace professional medical advice. Always consult your eye care professional to get the best vision solution for your child.

How to Choose the Right Contact Lenses for Kids

Finding the right contact lenses for kids can feel like a big deal

Firstly, is your child ready? This question isn’t about age. Some children start wearing contacts as young as eight years old. It’s more about responsibility and personal hygiene habits. Can they handle taking their lenses in and out without help? Order contacts may be necessary once they have a contact lens prescription.

If so, daily disposable soft contact lenses are often a good choice for first-time lens wearers. They’re easy to use, and there’s no need for cleaning solutions or overnight storage cases – reducing risks associated with improper lens care. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits your child can experience with disposable contacts.

Vision correction: Contacts provide better visual acuity than glasses – particularly useful when playing sports or looking at distant objects.
Safety: Contacts sit directly on the eye, eliminating the risk of frames breaking during physical activities such as sports.
Aesthetics: Some kids simply prefer their appearance without glasses – boosting confidence is always a win.

Contact lens technology has come far; blurred vision doesn’t mean being stuck behind glasses anymore. However, remember that getting used to them takes time and patience from parents and children alike. If you are experiencing nearsightedness, it is recommended to visit an optometrist for an eye exam and a contact lens prescription.

Research shows that wearing contact lenses as a child —when approved by your eye doctor—does not cause any vision problems down the line.

Don’t let any worries about potential issues prevent you from considering contact lenses for your child. As long as your child follows the advice given by their eye care professional and maintains good hygiene practices, they’re just as safe in lenses as adults are. It is important to have a contact lens prescription and consult with an optometrist.

Tips for Kids Wearing Contact Lenses

If your child wears contact lenses, you should ensure they are being utilized securely and appropriately.

First off, hygiene is king when it comes to wearing contacts. Before your child even touches their lenses, they should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.

No one wants an eye infection from dirty fingers.

The Importance of a Proper Schedule

Contact lens wearers have schedules set by their eye care professionals. It’s not just a suggestion; these guidelines are crucial for eye health.

Your kiddo must strictly follow this schedule – no ifs or buts. That means no sleeping-in lenses unless approved by the eye doctor and changing out disposable ones as instructed.

How to Avoid Potential Problems

Kids can be rough on things – we all know that. But with contact lenses, extra care is needed because any damage could lead to discomfort or blurry vision.

If there’s any sign of damage, like scratches or tears on the lens itself, before putting it in – throw it away. Don’t take risks with those precious peepers.

Keeping Eyes Hydrated

You wouldn’t let your kids go through summer without drinking water, right? The same goes for keeping your eyes hydrated while wearing contacts.

Lack of moisture can cause irritation, leading to redness or itchiness. So always remind your children to blink regularly and use recommended lubricating drops if necessary.

This way, we avoid turning ‘seeing clearly’ into a big deal.

Remember, though: These tips aren’t substitutes for medical advice, so keep regular appointments with your eye care professional to ensure everything’s on track.

Sports and Contact Lenses for Kids

Contact lenses can make all of the difference in children's sports

For kids who are into competitive sports, glasses may pose challenges. That’s where contacts come to the rescue.

Contact lenses offer superior peripheral vision compared to glasses. When your child is playing fast-paced games like soccer or basketball, seeing clearly from all angles makes a big difference.

Contact lenses, unlike glasses, won’t fog up during intense physical activity or break upon impact. This not only improves performance but also ensures safety while playing sports.

The Big Vision Advantage of Contacts

Contact lens wearers have an edge regarding depth perception, too. Glasses distort light, which can slightly reduce one’s ability to judge distance accurately. But with contacts, this isn’t an issue because they move along with your eyes, giving you more accurate visual feedback. Additionally, it is important to regularly visit an optometrist for an eye exam to ensure your contact lens prescription is up to date.

Furthermore, if your kiddo needs correction only in one eye (as some children do), wearing a single contact lens helps maintain balance better than wearing glasses with just one corrective lens would allow them.

Finding the Right Fit

Consider soft daily disposable contact lenses for kids for maximum comfort and the best fit during active playtimes and sporty endeavors. These are easy to use and reduce the risk of infections since they’re fresh pairs daily.

The world of sports is demanding, but with contacts, your child doesn’t have to compromise on their vision or safety. Remember to consult an eye care professional before changing their vision correction routine.

Safety Precautions for Kids Wearing Contact Lenses

Kids wearing contact lenses need to take some safety precautions

Good personal hygiene is the first step in ensuring their eyes stay healthy and infection-free.

Corneal ulcers are a risk, but surprisingly, kids ages 8 to 11 have fewer cornea problems than adults. This shows that kids can safely wear contacts with proper care and supervision.

A corneal ulcer is an eye infection that develops when bacteria or other microorganisms enter through a small injury on the surface of the cornea. They’re painful and potentially serious.

To avoid them, ensure your child washes their hands before handling lenses. A dirty lens isn’t just a big deal; it’s dangerous. Dirty hands introduce germs onto clean lenses, which then transfer into your kid’s eyes – definitely not something we want. Taking breaks from lens wear also helps prevent red eyes and keeps those little peepers happy. Encourage regular glasses use, even if they aren’t quite as cool as contacts.

FAQs in Relation to Contact Lenses for Kids

What age can a child start wearing contact lenses?

Kids as young as 8 years old have been successfully fitted with daily disposable soft contacts.

Are contact lenses safe for children?

Contact lenses are generally safe for kids, but they must practice good hygiene and lens care habits to avoid complications.

What types of contact lenses are available for children?

Daily disposable soft contacts and FDA-approved MiSight® 1-day lenses designed to slow myopia progression are options for kids.

Issues like allergies, dry eye syndrome, or even a poorly fitting lens can still cause trouble. So, regular check-ups remain crucial whether your lenses are for daily wear or extended use.

Want to keep enjoying the ease of contact lenses and still maintain clear vision with healthy eyes over time? Remember not to miss your eye exams. They’re just as crucial as daily lens cleaning and timely replacements. Remember, your eyes are counting on you.

Is it OK for a 13-year-old to wear contacts?

Absolutely. Age isn’t the main factor; responsibility level and personal hygiene habits play bigger roles in readiness.

Contact lenses for kids are more than just an accessory. They’re a ticket to better vision, improved sports performance, and greater self-confidence.

Remember the safety measures you must instill in your child—hand hygiene is paramount, daily disposable soft lenses can reduce infection risks, and professional eye care guidance is essential.

Navigate this new terrain with caution but also embrace the opportunities it presents. Kids wearing contact lenses might seem daunting at first, but they grow into it quickly—with your help!

And when they do? It’s like watching that butterfly take flight. So, help them spread their wings while keeping an eagle eye on safety.