Starting a new school year is rarely at the top of any teen’s to-do list. As such, parents often go the extra mile to ensure that each school year starts off as well as possible, in hopes of setting the proverbial stage for the rest of the year. But how many parents take into account the ramifications of starting a new school year in glasses? While they may be more widely accepted today than they were a few short years ago, there is still the chance that a teen wearing glasses will be instantly categorized and not seen for who they really are. So, how do you know if your teen is ready for the responsibility of wearing contact lenses?
A Few Things to Consider
By taking some time to consider the following things, you will be more able to determine if now is the time to get your child fitted for contacts in anticipation of the new school year.
- Age – While it is often assumed that eyes must be fully developed before contact lenses are worn, there really is no age limit to who is able to benefit from their use. Even small children could, theoretically, wear contacts. Most eye doctors in the Sterling Heights, MI area, however, begin to recommend their use for children who are between the ages of 11 and 14.
- Care – Being able to care for contacts is critically important. Improper care can result in eyes that are damaged by bacteria left on the lenses, or when they are allowed to dry on the eyeball. A good way to know if your child is, indeed, responsible enough is to look at their brushing and flossing habits. Typically, if they are able to keep up with these hygiene regimens, they will also be able to properly care for contacts.
- Comfort – Getting used to contact lenses can be uncomfortable at first. Make sure to have a conversation with your teen about the “learning curve” that will go along with them. Once they are used to putting them on the eyeball, taking them back off comfortably, and wearing them throughout the day, most teens find that wearing contacts is much simpler than wearing and caring for glasses.
Visit your Shelby Township, MI Optometrist today to find out if now is the time to help your teen make the move from glasses to contact lenses. Just think of the difference the switch could mean this school year!