Is Your Teen Ready For Contacts?
Many teens who wear glasses are eager to start wearing contact lenses. For teens who feel self-conscious in their glasses, contact lenses can be a way to improve self-esteem. For others, it’s just a matter of convenience. Many athletes prefer contact lenses to glasses while playing sports
But many teens do not realize the responsibility that comes with wearing contact lenses. Lenses must be treated with care. Parents should make sure that prescriptions are current, and that lenses properly fit their teens. So regular eye exams from an optometrist are crucial for teens who wear contact lenses (or anyone else for that matter).
While some optometrists will recommend contact lenses for patients as young as 8 years old, most eye doctors recommend holding off till ages 11 to 14. Of course, every child is different.
Teens should remember the following contact lens tips:
- Always follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your doctor.
- Always wash your hands with soap before applying or removing contact lenses.
- Never use any substance other than contact lens rinse or solution to clean contacts (even tap water is a no-no).
- Never reuse contact lens solution
- Follow the eye doctor’s advice about swimming or showering in your lenses
- Always remove your lenses if they are bothering you or causing irritation.
- Never sleep in your lenses unless they are extended wear.
- Never use any contact lenses that were not acquired with a prescription at an authorized source.
- Never purchase cosmetic lenses without a prescription!
And of course, contact our office if you have any questions.
