If your glasses-wearing teen has asked for contact lenses lately, it’s normal to have reservations. Contacts are a responsibility that the teenager needs to take seriously, as negligent care increases the risk of eye infections. To help you make the right vision decision for your teen, review the following information. 

What You Need to Know About Teens and Contact Lenses

Is there a recommended age for kids to start wearing contacts?

There is no age requirement for contact lenses, though most kids start wearing them at age 12 or 13. Various signs indicate that your teen is ready for contacts, such as talking about wearing them instead of glasses, “forgetting” to wear their glasses, and playing sports. If your teen is a baseball or softball catcher, for example, their glasses can fog up behind the mask and interfere with their playing ability. Other signs include responsibility displays, such as completing their homework and chores in a timely manner. 

What lens maintenance should I emphasize? 

To avoid eye infections and pain, your teen needs to wash their hands thoroughly before wearing their lenses, which prevents bacterial transmission. Your teen must also keep their contacts in a case with disinfecting solution when they aren’t wearing them, and change the case every 30 days. Contact cases are considered dirty after 30 days and can therefore spread bacteria to the lenses. Other care tips include rinsing lenses with contact solution only, since water can warp them and saliva transmits bacteria. If you are concerned about lens maintenance, consider “dailies,” or contact lenses that are worn once, then discarded. 

Can my teen wear contacts even if their prescription is high?

Some contacts are designed with high prescriptions in mind, such as toric lenses that match irregular corneal shapes from astigmatism. These contacts correct the astigmatism to help your teen see clearly. Scleral lenses are a gas-permeable option available to those with severe astigmatism. These large contacts avoid discomfort issues because they are more stable on the eyes, unlike smaller versions. 

What are the benefits of contacts for teens? 

Teenagers who wear contacts often cite an increase in confidence because they feel their physical appearance improves. Contacts eliminate glasses-related sports issues, such as fogged masks, sweat-induced slipping, and accidents that cause the eyewear to get knocked off the face or broken. If the lenses your teen wears are not “dailies,” they help the young one become even more responsible due to the maintenance that’s required. 

If you believe contact lenses are right for your teen, schedule an appointment at Blue Earth Valley Eye Clinic. This eye care center in Blue Earth, MN provides a full suite of services for the whole family, including exams, glasses and contacts, and eye disease treatments. Call (507) 526-2222 today to make the appointment or visit the vision center online for additional information. Get more eye care tips on Facebook.