Here's a question we often get: Is my child too young for contact lenses? This is an important question, and the answer may surprise you.

For children with myopia (nearsightedness), contact lenses can be a convenient method of vision correction. They allow kids to go about their day without worrying about breaking or misplacing glasses, and enable them to freely participate in sports and other physical activities.

Some children and young teens ask for contact lenses because they feel self-conscious wearing glasses. Contact lenses may provide a confidence boost. Moreover, it is very popular for children to wear single-use one-day disposable soft contacts, since there is no cleaning or maintenance involved.

What Are the Risks of Having My Child Wear Contact Lenses?

Research shows that kids are not at a higher risk of experiencing contact lens complications. A study following nearly 1,000 children aged 8–16 over 1.5–3 years found that age doesn't have a significant effect on contact lens safety. The risk of developing infections or other adverse reactions was less than 1% per year of wear, comparable to wearers of other ages.

Before deciding that contact lenses are right for your child, consider whether your child is ready to wear them. During the appointment, the optometrist may ask about your child's level of maturity, responsibility, and personal hygiene. In the initial stages, parents may need to play an active role as their child gets used to inserting and removing the new lenses.

When worn and cared for according to your eye doctor's instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.

To schedule your child's contact lens fitting or eye exam, contact Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio today. Call us at (937) 228-2020.