{"id":19813,"date":"2021-10-27T11:55:57","date_gmt":"2021-10-27T11:55:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=19813"},"modified":"2021-10-27T11:55:57","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T11:55:57","slug":"is-my-teen-ready-to-wear-contacts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/optical\/guide-to-contact-lenses\/is-my-teen-ready-to-wear-contacts\/","title":{"rendered":"Is My Teen Ready to Wear Contacts?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over 8% of contact lens wearers are under 18 years old.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Wearing contacts<\/a> has become more of an option for teens, preteens, and even some children since contact lens maintenance has gotten easier and more accessible than ever before.<\/p>\n

Most eye doctors agree that by the age of 13, and even as early as age 11, the eyes have developed enough to wear contact lenses<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Children as young as 11 years old are mature enough to manage the responsibilities that come with contact lens, according to a study conducted at the University of Indiana\u2019s School of Optometry.<\/p>\n

On average, the students in the study learned how to properly care for contact lenses after a few weeks or months of wearing, cleaning, and storing them.<\/p>\n

Anyone interested in contact lenses, even teenagers, should have a thorough understanding of how to use contacts safely and how to care for contact lenses.<\/a><\/p>\n

During an eye exam an optometrist can determine whether your teenager is ready to wear contact lenses.<\/b><\/p>\n

Here are some things to consider if you’re thinking about allowing your teen to wear contacts:<\/p>\n

Responsibility<\/b><\/h2>\n

There is no such thing as a perfect age to begin wearing contacts.<\/p>\n

If your child can follow the specific directions from the eye doctor, they are likely ready to take on the responsibility of wearing contacts<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Different children mature at different rates. Consider your child’s level of responsibility when considering contacts. Wearing contact lenses necessitates a high level of commitment.<\/p>\n

Cleaning and caring for lenses properly is crucial for maintaining eye health and lowering the risk of infection.<\/p>\n

Motivation<\/b><\/h2>\n

Make sure that your teen has the right motivation to wear contacts.<\/p>\n

Teenagers are known for bending to peer pressure\u2014 are they being influenced by friends who wear contact lenses?\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Talking to them about the responsibility, care and potential harm<\/a> it can cause their eyes, if they don\u2019t properly care for their lenses, can help in the decision-making process.<\/p>\n

Think your teen might be ready for contact lenses? Contact an eye doctor near you.<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> Contact Lenses: Top 10 Myths and Facts<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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