Needing to buy eyeglasses is often met with resistance from a teenager. The mere thought of wearing glasses can send a teen running in the other direction. In comparison with glasses, kids and teens that use contact lenses report a significant enhancement in their looks, says a recently released study. The research report suggests that starting at the age of eight, children should be offered the option of lenses. The study was reported in the November issue of Eye & Contact Lens, published by the Contact Lens Association.
What is it about contacts that teenagers prefer? Teens are easily embarrassed, and they often feel more positive about themselves when they're not wearing eyeglasses. Contact lenses may enhance a teenager's self-esteem by providing them a less visible option for their vision needs.
While teens are frequently provided with contact lenses, children younger than 13 are usually not given the option of contacts, since eye care practitioners and parents don't believe that children are ready to take care of them properly. However, with the right guidance, children as young as eight are just as capable at using and tending for contact lenses and they should be given the option.
Of course before your child tries contacts you will want to consult your eye care practitioner to find out about any potential issues your child might encounter. Our Rye Brook optometry practice can help you in determining the right plan for your teen's contact lenses.
If your pre-teen or teenager is in need of vision correction, why not consider contacts? Through just a simple contact lens, you can make a world of a difference for your teen. With the large selection of contacts available, you and your eye care practitioner can work with your child to determine what type of lens best fits their personality, maturity and lifestyle.