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Nearly four million kids under 18 wear contact lenses. If your little one is squinting more often, they may be a candidate for this form of eyesight corrections. Use this guide to learn more about lenses to determine whether they’re right for your child.

When Kids Can Wear Contacts

Some infants wear contacts to correct congenital problems. As a result, most school-aged kids should be able to wear them comfortably. Nevertheless, many eye doctors recommend waiting until the child is age 12 or older to start wearing contacts. However, parents should decide on individual bases based on their child’s age, maturity level, and activities. 

The Benefits of Contact Lenses

contact lensesContact lenses will strengthen your little one’s eyes to help them see clearly. As a result, they may do better in school because they can read the classroom board and sports since they can better assess their surroundings.

Moreover, many kids feel more self-confident about their looks without glasses, and this could help them become more outgoing, make friends more easily, and feel more comfortable trying new activities. In this way, contact lenses help with self-esteem.

Rigid gas permeable lenses are often better than eyeglasses since they support eyesight correction and peripheral vision. This type of lens is typically recommended to deter the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness, which worsens over time.

Factors to Consider

Many contact lenses require daily cleaning and shouldn’t be left in overnight. Therefore, consider how mature your child is. A responsible 7-year-old is a better candidate than a forgetful preteen since they are less likely to neglect proper lens care or wear the lenses too long and put their eye health at risk. For these reasons, some kids might do better with extended wear or disposable lenses. However, be aware that reusing disposable lenses, which are designed only for single-use, is risky. If your child plays sports, they may want to try contacts since eyeglasses will fall off their face or interfere with their performance.

 

If your child is ready for contact lenses, turn to Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates in Aiea, HI. These professionals will assess your little one’s eyes to determine their prescription and discuss whether they’re a candidate for soft or hand lenses. They’ll also teach your youngster how to put them in and care for them. For more information about their services, visit the website or call (808) 487-5500.

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