Contact lenses may be a perfect fit for teenagers; they are more comfortable, easy to care for and there are many types of contacts to choose from. In other words, there are almost certainly contact lenses to fit a teen’s individual needs. For active teens, glasses can get in the way, especially during sports, the arts or social occasions. Frames can interfere with peripheral vision. Contact lenses don’t steam up when you come in from outside on a cold day or slide down your nose. Plus, they eliminate that annoying pressure behind your ears. Here are some truths about contact lenses for teens:
Fiction: Teen eyes are not mature enough for contacts.
Fact: Most eye care professionals agree that by age 13, even as early as age 8, most children’s eyes are developed enough for contact lenses. An eye exam by a doctor of optometry will confirm whether contacts can be worn or not.
Fiction: Contacts fall out a lot.
Fact: Soft contact lenses, when properly fit, conform to the shape of the eye and are held in place by the eyelids, so they usually don’t move out of place or fall out. Plus, they’re usually more stable than glasses, especially for sports.
Fiction: Contact lenses are expensive.
Fact: The price of contact lenses is comparable to that of an average pair of eyeglasses.
Fiction: Contact lenses are hard to care for.
Fact: Contact lens care systems are easy and quick to use. Contacts can be ready to wear in just five minutes.
Fiction: Contact lenses are not safe to wear for sports.
Fact: Contact lenses are very safe, as long as they are used as directed. They cannot be broken or knocked off the face during sports and they provide unobstructed peripheral vision. Goggles over contact lenses may be required for water sports.
Fiction: If I have contact lenses, I don’t need glasses.
Fact: Contact lenses do not replace glasses for all activities and cannot be worn by teens more than approximately 12 hours per day. Glasses are also required for school science labs and should not be worn if you are sick or have an eye infection or eye injury.
