Are Contact Lenses Safe For Young Children?

Here's a question we often get at our practice: 'Is my child too young for contact lenses?' This is an important question, and the answer may surprise you. For children with myopia (nearsightedness), contact lenses can be a convenient method of vision correction — allowing kids to participate freely in sports and other physical activities without worrying about breaking or misplacing their glasses.

What Are the Risks of Having My Child Wear Contact Lenses?

A study published in The Journal of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics found that kids aren't at a higher risk of experiencing contact lens complications than adults. The study followed nearly 1,000 children aged 8-16 over 1.5-3 years and found that the risk of developing infections or other adverse reactions was less than 1% per year of wear.

However, before deciding that contact lenses are right for your child, consider whether your child is ready. During the appointment, our team may ask about your child's level of maturity, responsibility, and personal hygiene. Since many children are highly motivated to wear contacts, they tend to display real maturity in caring for their lenses.

It's important to note that when worn and cared for according to your eye doctor's instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.

Bring your child in for a contact lens consultation! We'll help determine if your child is ready for contacts and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your child's contact lens fitting or eye exam, contact St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville today. Call (740) 695-0444.