Can kids use contact lenses?
The issue of contact lenses in pediatric ophthalmology has grown in popularity in recent years. It is linked to the growing need for contact vision correction in kids and the advancement of contact vision correction options in pediatric ophthalmology practice.
Currently, the indications for contact lens use in children are the same as those for adults (with some special restrictions).Four out of every ten contact lens wearers are school-age children, according to ophthalmologists.
The global average age of contact lens wearers is 31 years old. Approximately 8% of contact lens wearers are under the age of 18, 17% are 18-24, and 75% are 25 and older.Contact lenses are worn by approximately 45 million people in the United States, according to the American Optometric Association (ADA), and 14.5% of children under the age of 17 wear them.
What are the best contact lenses for children?
Daily disposable soft contact lenses are most commonly prescribed to children under the age of 12. Soft contact lenses are used by 93% of children who wear contact lenses.
Reusable contact lenses may be an option for children over the age of 12; depending on the type, they can be replaced every two weeks or once a month.
Disposable and daily replacement contact lenses, on the other hand, are prescribed primarily to avoid contamination caused by inadequate disinfection of contact lenses worn more than once.
When will the child be old enough to wear contact lenses?
Most optometrists believe that the best age to start wearing contact lenses is between the ages of 10 and 12. However, contact correction can be worn at any age, depending on the instructions.
The use of soft contact lenses for children is not restricted by age.
If you're thinking about getting your child contact lenses, ask yourself, "Does my child have good personal hygiene habits?" Is my child doing well? If your child answers yes to these two questions, he or she may be an excellent candidate for contact lenses.
If children are properly cared for, they can wear contact lenses safely and successfully. This frequently entails having the assistance of a parent or other adult to assist with proper wear and care, as well as lowering the risk of eye infections and other complications.
In general, older children are very motivated to wear contact lenses and adapt quickly to them. Other indicators include the child's optical prescription, participation in sports, and self-esteem.