Your teenager comes home one day and announces they want to stop wearing glasses. They might feel self-conscious, or maybe their frames get in the way during sports. Whatever the reason, it is understandable if you find yourself wondering if contact lenses are a safe and practical choice for them.
You want what’s best for their vision and their self-esteem. The good news is that for many teens, contacts can be an excellent option. With a professional contact lens fitting and a commitment to responsible habits, contact lenses can be a safe and effective way for your teenager to see clearly.
Is Your Teen Ready for Contact Lenses?
More Than Just a Number
When it comes to contact lenses, your teen’s maturity level is more important than their age. Think about their daily habits and sense of responsibility. A teen who is ready for contacts often demonstrates these qualities:
- They show consistent personal hygiene habits without constant reminders.
- They can listen to and carefully follow multi-step instructions.
- They understand the importance of being responsible for their own health.
Signs of Contact Lens Readiness
You can spot signs of readiness in your teen’s everyday behavior. Do they take good care of their personal items, like their phone or schoolbooks? A responsible attitude toward their belongings often translates to responsible contact lens care.
A teen who shows interest in their daily routine and communicates openly when something feels wrong is also a great candidate. This open communication is key, especially if they experience any eye discomfort. A comprehensive eye exam is the first step in determining if they are a good candidate.
Benefits of Contacts for an Active Teen Life
Freedom for Sports and Hobbies
For an active teenager, glasses can be a hassle. Contact lenses offer a full field of vision without frames getting in the way, which is a huge plus for sports like soccer or basketball. You also don’t have to worry about glasses fogging up or slipping down during a crucial moment in the game.
Contacts also make it much easier to wear protective gear. Whether it’s a helmet for football or goggles for swimming, contacts fit comfortably underneath without any adjustments. The variety of contact lens types available today makes it easy to find an option for almost any activity.
A Boost for Self-Esteem and Convenience
Many teenagers appreciate the option to have a glasses-free look, which can give their self-esteem a welcome boost. The convenience factor is also a major benefit for busy families.
Daily disposable lenses, for example, eliminate the need for cleaning and storing. Your teen can simply enjoy a fresh, new pair of contacts every single day. It is a simple addition to their morning routine.
Find the Right Type of Contact Lens
Daily Disposables: The Top Choice for Teens
Daily disposable lenses are often recommended for teenagers. Since your teen throws them away at the end of the day, there’s often no need to handle cleaning solutions or storage cases. This straightforward routine helps build good habits.
This option also reduces the risk of deposit buildup and infections associated with long-wear lenses. Plus, if a lens gets lost or torn, your teen can just open a new one without any fuss.
Specialty Lenses for Unique Vision Needs
Your teen’s vision needs are unique. Fortunately, there are contact lenses designed for a wide range of prescriptions, including toric lenses to correct astigmatism. Specialized myopia control lenses are also available to help manage nearsightedness in children and teens.
A comprehensive eye exam can determine the exact type of lens that will provide the clearest vision and most comfortable fit. Our team in Long Beach can walk you and your teen through all the available options.
Essential Safety and Care Habits
The Golden Rules of Contact Lens Wear
Proper hygiene is the most important part of wearing contact lenses safely. Following proper contact lens care instructions helps protect your teen’s eyes. They should always remember these key rules:
- Wash and dry hands thoroughly before touching the lenses or their eyes.
- Never use tap water, saliva, or anything other than the recommended solution on contacts.
- Do not share contact lenses with anyone.
What to Do If Irritation Occurs
If your teen’s eyes become red, blurry, or painful, the first step is to remove the contact lens right away. They should inspect it for any tears or debris. A damaged lens should never be put back into the eye.
If discomfort continues after the lens is removed, it’s time to report the symptoms. Wearing backup glasses can give their eyes a chance to rest and recover. For persistent pain or redness, it’s a good idea to seek emergency eye care.
Your Role in Your Teen’s Success
Support Their New Daily Routine
You can play a big part in helping your teen succeed with contact lenses. Help them set up a clean, well-lit space in the bathroom for putting in and taking out their lenses. Gentle reminders about proper care can help reinforce good habits in the first few weeks.
It’s also a good idea to make sure their backup glasses have an up-to-date prescription. This gives their eyes a break and makes sure they always have a way to see clearly.
Schedule Regular Professional Eye Care
Contact lenses are not a one-size-fits-all product. A professional fitting is necessary to find a lens that matches the unique shape and size of your teen’s eye. This step is key for both comfort and eye health.
After the initial fitting, it’s important to schedule annual eye exams to monitor your teen’s vision and overall eye health.
Find the Perfect Contact Lenses for Your Teen
Our Total Vision Long Beach team can perform a comprehensive exam to determine if contact lenses are the right choice for your teenager. Schedule a consultation to explore options that fit their vision needs and active lifestyle.
