Children need to be mature enough to handle contact lenses in a way that keeps their eyes and vision healthy. The age at which they're ready will vary from child to child. In addition to talking to your optician, here are some considerations to help determine whether your child is ready for contact lenses.

Important questions about contact lenses for children

Is your child responsible? Does he do his homework without being asked? Is she able to keep her room clean and livable? Do you feel comfortable that the family pet will be fed without your reminders?

Your child will need to be responsible for careful and regular upkeep of his contact lenses to protect them and his eyes.

Why does your child want contact lenses?

Is it a functional issue where he's having trouble seeing? Or is it a concern about appearance? If it's the latter, you may want to talk to your child about how he feels and about peer pressure at school. Let her open up about why she wants to get contact lenses.

What does your optician think?

Ask your optician about contact lenses for your children based on her knowledge of their current and past eye health. She can help illuminate important pros and cons.

Vampire contact lenses, colour contact lenses and other novelty contact lenses

If your child wants red or blue contact lenses to look cool, or Halloween contact lenses for a costume, there are several things you should know:

  • If you buy contact lenses online, many on the Internet are not government-agency approved.
  • Getting contact lenses without your optician's prescription and guidance can lead to serious infections and vision problems.
  • Decorative lenses and other contact lenses that aren't properly fitted can affect normal eyesight and scratch your corneas.

See your optician and avoid cheap contact lenses

Your child's eyesight is precious. While it might be cool to look like a favourite cartoon character or movie monster, you should weigh the pros and cons with your child. Finally, the most important thing when it comes to contact lenses for children is to consult your optometrist.

Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional. For specific questions, please see your eye care practitioner.
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