PROS AND CONS OF CONTACT LENSES FOR CHILDREN

As shortsightedness, myopia, continues to rise significantly and occur in younger and younger children, vision correction in children has become increasingly necessary. In recent years, frames have become trendy and attractive, and children are more comfortable and less self-conscious about wearing glasses. However, for a variety of reasons, contact lenses are often a more popular alternative to glasses. Understandably, parents have questions about this option for their young children.

HOW YOUNG IS TOO YOUNG FOR CONTACT LENSES?

Your optometrist will need to assess the suitability of contact lenses for your particular child. Most eye care professionals agree that children as young as 8 years old can safely wear them. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), approximately 14.5 percent of all children under 17 years of age wear contact lenses, 2% of these are 9 years or younger, 7% are 10-12 years, 13% are 13-14 years and 19% are 15-17 years old.

More important than the age of the child are factors such as the prescription, daily activities, personal hygiene habits and ability to handle responsibility, particularly the responsibility of contact lens care. A child’s motivation, as well as their maturity level, are generally reliable indicators of their readiness to wear contact lenses.

WHICH CONTACT LENS OPTION IS BEST FOR MY CHILD?

The two general categories of contact lenses are soft and rigid gas permeable. Soft contact lenses are the most common contact lenses worn. They are made of soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea and may be easier to adjust to than hard lenses. Hard or rigid gas permeable contact lenses are more durable than soft contact lenses and are easier to handle and less likely to tear but may take longer to adjust to. Contact lenses may be prescribed for daily wear or extended wear - lenses which can be worn overnight for a certain period of time.

Your optometrist will discuss the most suitable option with you, and make a recommendation based on the clinical findings and prescription, as well as the child’s lifestyle, level of maturity and daily activities.

ARE THERE HEALTH RISKS WITH CONTACT LENSES FOR CHILDREN?

Generally, contact lenses are safe for children, but they do come with certain risks. The most common concerns are infections of the cornea, the clear membrane at the front of the eye, and conjunctivitis or “pink eye”, inflammation of the blood vessels in the membrane that lines the eye and eyelid. Causes of these infections include sleeping in contact lenses which reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, swimming with contact lenses in pools where bacteria may be present, and poor contact lens hygiene or care.

The risk of infection can be minimised by ensuring that the child follows the instructions of the optometrist and takes certain simple preventative steps. Always wash hands before inserting or removing contact lenses. Keep the lenses away from water, never use water or saliva to clean or store the lenses.

Clean the contact lens case before refilling with fresh solution; never top up the solution left in the case. Replace the contact lenses and the case as often as recommended by the optometrist. Schedule regular appointments with your optometrist to monitor the contact lenses and eye health.

Other safety tips include protecting the eyes when wearing contact lenses by wearing sunglasses on windy days and protective eyewear when participating in sports. Only wear contact lenses prescribed by an optometrist, never wear decorative lenses. Never share contact lenses. Parents can help children to become aware of how their eyes feel and to seek help if they experience problems.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF CONTACT LENSES OVER GLASSES?

Benefits of contact lenses include convenience, appearance, improved confidence and self-esteem, clearer more stable vision and better peripheral vision, particularly for sport.

Many young people who play sport prefer contact lenses because they do not break as glasses may, reducing the risk of eye injuries. Both younger children and teenagers wearing contact lenses have shown improved vision-related quality of life.

There is a growing body of research evidence showing that myopia control contact lenses are among the most effective ways to slow myopia progression in children and adolescents, giving them clearer vision and better long-term eye health.

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF CONTACT LENSES FOR CHILDREN?

One of the disadvantages is the higher frequency of visits to the optometrist, the additional expense of contact lenses and solutions, as well as the necessity for a pair of back-up glasses for times when the child is unable to wear the lenses.

Cleaning and disinfecting the lenses can be inconvenient and there is an increased risk of eye scratches and infections if this is not carried out with care.

Adjusting to wearing contact lenses and learning how to handle them requires time and patience and can become frustrating for a young child, but with support and encouragement from the optometrist and parents, it can be successfully achieved.