Whether it’s due to feeling self-conscious about wearing eyeglasses or finding them uncomfortable, many children express interest in contact lenses. If your child has been asking to transition to contacts, you may wonder if they’re truly ready. Here’s a helpful guide for parents considering getting contacts for their kids.

When Should Children Start Wearing Contacts?

There’s not just one right age for children to start wearing contact lenses. Some children as young as eight years old can handle wearing contacts while others should wait until they’re teenagers. What it comes down to is the child’s maturity level and ability.

If you’re having trouble deciding if your child should wear contact lenses or not, pay attention to how they deal with their current responsibilities. If your child keeps their room clean, does all their homework, and tends to their other chores without being asked, they may be a good candidate for contacts. On the other hand, if you must frequently remind your child to clean their room or finish their homework, they may not be mature enough to wear contacts.

What Other Factors Should Be Considered?

If you’re still on the fence about letting your child wear contact lenses, consider their reason for wanting contacts. For example, if your child plays sports, wearing contacts may be more convenient and safer. They won’t have to worry about breaking their eyeglasses during a game and suffering an eye injury.

If your child has nearsightedness, contacts may also be beneficial. They can correct your child’s field of vision and might even slow down how quickly their eye condition progresses. 

If you want to help your child transition to contact lenses, turn to Dr. Michael R. Schmit in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Schmit has more than 30 years of experience in optometry and is dedicated to helping his patients maintain good eyesight. From routine eye exams to eyeglass fittings and contacts, he offers a variety of eye care services and always puts his patients first. For more information about his services, call (513) 741-8811 or visit his website.