Contact lenses are an ideal alternative to glasses for anyone with an active lifestyle. Teenagers who are busy with school, sports, and activities are often drawn to contacts since they don’t get in the way or interfere with their overall look. Before your child makes the swap, though, it’s important to make sure they’re ready.

When Is It OK for a Teenager to Switch to Contact Lenses?

1. They’re Responsible

If glasses seem like too much responsibility due to the risk of being broken or misplaced, that doesn't necessarily mean contacts are the right option. Like glasses, contacts require a fair amount of maintenance and care. 

Lenses must be cleaned and removed each evening to reduce the risk of infection. They must be stored in a safe place and replaced regularly, too. While most preteens and teenagers will have no problem caring for their lenses, it’s a good idea to wait to introduce them until they’re performing most aspects of self-care independently.  

2. They’re Routine-Oriented

Teens who are capable of sticking to a daily regimen will do best with contact lenses. Lens care only adds a few minutes to their routine, but children who are consistently oversleeping or running late to school may find that extra time to be a drawback compared to quickly donning a pair of glasses. If your child is rarely late and does a good job of managing their own routine, they’ll likely do fine with the extra steps. 

3. They’ve Been Approved by an Eye Doctor

Children who are interested in contact lenses should visit an eye doctor to discuss readiness and lens options. According to the FDA's recommendation, lens wearing can begin between the ages of 8 and 12, but each child is different. 

With that in mind, certain types of lenses tend to be better tolerated by young wearers. For example, daily disposables require no cleaning since they’re discarded at the end of each day. Your child’s eye doctor can discuss lifestyle considerations and care protocols with your child to ensure lenses are a good fit for them. 

If you have a teen who’s considering contact lenses or other vision care needs, turn to Comprehensive Eye Care. Located in Washington, MO, this optometrist’s office has a wide range of eye care services available for Franklin County residents, including participation in their long-running series of clinical trials for eye conditions. Find out more about lenses and other services online. Schedule an appointment or ask about participating in a trial by calling (636) 390-3999.