Are Contact Lenses Safe For My Child?

With children being fit with contact lenses at younger ages than ever before, some parents have voiced concerns that lenses may not be appropriate for their child. Fortunately, with the development of daily disposable soft contact lenses, children as young as 7 years old can wear contact lenses safely, so long as they receive routine eye exams.

The Research on Kids & Contacts

Researchers tested 294 children aged 7-11 with myopia. Each child was prescribed a different type of daily-wear contact lens and was asked to come in for an eye exam every 6 months over a period of 3 years. Researchers found that the majority of issues that did occur were related to the lens solution or allergic reactions, both of which can be easily addressed by your eye doctor. Most issues didn't require the child to seek medical treatment, harm their vision, or cause them to stop wearing contacts.

The study concluded that contact lens wear is just as safe for children as for adults, provided there is proper supervision. Contact lenses are a safe option for children who want to say goodbye to their glasses, or as a way to slow down their myopia through myopia management.

Want to learn more about contact lenses for your child? Come visit our St. Clairsville eye care team at St. Clairsville Eyecare today. Call (740) 695-0444.