At What Age Can Kids Start Wearing Contacts?

Contact lenses offer several benefits. Not only do contacts offer more natural vision correction than glasses, but they're ideal for sports and other physical activities. If your child is interested in wearing contacts, it's important to make sure that they are ready for this responsibility. At Exquisite Eye Care in Houston, we're happy to answer any questions about contacts and eye care.

When Can Kids Start Wearing Contacts?

Since contacts are worn directly on the eye, they need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly. If contacts aren't cleaned or changed out as needed, your child could develop an eye infection and may need treatment. That's why it's important to make sure your child is ready to handle this big responsibility.

There are no hard rules about when children can begin wearing contact lenses, but contacts are usually recommended for children between 8 and 12 years of age. It's a good idea to talk to your child's eye doctor about contacts so that you can get a better idea of what to expect.

The Best Contacts for Children

If your child is ready to start wearing contacts, be sure to choose the right type of lenses. Daily disposable lenses tend to be a great option for kids. Since your child will be wearing a new pair of contacts every day, they won't have to clean their contacts between each use.

While contacts are usually taken out each night, some contacts can be worn overnight. Your eye doctor will discuss your options and help you find a solution that meets your child’s needs. Even if your child switches to contacts, they should still have a pair of glasses. That way, they can take a break from wearing contacts if their eyes are irritated.

Talk to Our Optometrists About Contacts for Kids

Contact lenses can be a great option for active kids. If you're interested in contacts for kids and would like to learn more, don't hesitate to talk to one of our optometrists at Exquisite Eye Care. Call our team today at (281) 580-3937 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.