Here is a question we often get at our practice: 'Is my child too young for contact lenses?' This is an important question, and the answer may surprise you.

For children with myopia (nearsightedness), contact lenses can be a convenient method of vision correction. It allows kids to go about their day without having to worry about breaking or misplacing their glasses, and enables them to freely participate in sports and other physical activities.

Some children and young teens may ask their parents for contact lenses because they feel self-conscious wearing glasses. Contact lenses may even provide children with the confidence boost they need to come out of their shell.

What Are the Risks of Having My Child Wear Contact Lenses?

A study published in The Journal of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics found that kids aren't at a higher risk of experiencing contact lens complications. The study followed nearly 1000 children aged 8-16 over the course of 1.5-3 years to determine how contact lenses affected their eye health.

The results indicate that age doesn't have an effect on contact lens safety. In fact, the researchers found that the risk of developing infections or other adverse reactions was less than 1% per year of wear — which is comparable to contact lens wearers of other ages.

However, when worn and cared for according to your eye doctor's instructions, contact lenses are low-risk and perfectly safe for children and teenagers.

To schedule your child's contact lens fitting or eye exam, contact Optique Family Vision Care in Springfield today.