Contact Lenses and Teens (Are Contact Lenses Right for Teens?)

If you have a teenage child in your home, you may be wondering whether or not contact lenses are right for that child.  Through that article, we will visit with you about whether or not contact lenses are right for your teenage child.

History of Contact Lenses and Teenagers

Many years ago it was thought that only people in their late teens and older were candidates for contact lens wear. Because the lenses were hard and not gas permeable, perhaps that rule served a purpose.

Reasons Why Teens Might Benefit from Contact Lenses

But today there are many reasons for teenagers (and even children) to wear contact lenses. Eyeglasses are often an embarrassment to teens, and they are already self-conscious. For teens who wear orthodontic braces, this can be a double-whammy to their self-esteem. For those who are responsible enough to keep their hands clean when touching lenses and their eyes, handle the lenses properly, and care for their own eyes, contact lenses should be considered as an alternative to eyeglasses.

Contact Lenses for a Teen with Astigmatism

Some young people do have astigmatism, which would make soft contacts a poor choice. For them, a rigid gas permeable lens (RGP) or toric lens may be a better choice. Both of these lenses require greater coordination to place on the eye-the RGP lens is a little more complicated to place, and the toric lens as a top and bottom that must be set perfectly-so once again the maturity and coordination of the teen is key.

Disposable Contact Lenses -- A Good Choice for Your Teenager

One good choice may be the disposable lens. These are becoming more and more popular. The enzymatic cleaning of protein deposits are no longer a concern, and there is no longer a multi-step process for nightly care. Also, if one tears or slips down the sink, it’s not a big loss-they are inexpensive to replace, the daily disposables often costing less than a dollar per pair. Daily disposables are also good choices for teens with allergies, and for teens who aren’t sure if they will stick to wearing contacts.

Buying the Right Contact Lens Case

Whether you choose soft lenses or RGP contact lenses, make sure you choose a smooth case. Soft contacts can get torn and RGP lenses scratched in a case that has not been properly smoothed at the factory. Making sure the lens is centered in the reservoir with lots of fluid will also help protect it from edges and the case top. Lenses can also become scratched and torn from rough skin, so if the child is involved sports make sure rough skin is smoothed.

Orthokeratology and Your Teenager

Some parents are considering orthokeratology for their teenagers. Orthokeratology is a therapeutic kind of contact lens where the wearer slips on a special gas permeable lens for overnight wear. This lens is designed to reshape the eye while the wearer is asleep, and the person will wake up with clear vision without the use of glasses or contacts. However, these contact lenses are much riskier with regard to infections and injury.

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