So your teenager wants contacts! Many do.
Some are tired of dealing with thick glasses and want the freedom of prescription contact lenses, or just want better vision during sports. Others want to switch to a glasses-free look, or try novelty or coloured contact lenses.
What should you, as a parent, be aware of for contacts for teenagers? Here are some considerations.
Caution: Halloween contact lenses
Halloween contact lenses or coloured contacts can be a lot of fun, especially for teens who want to express their individuality. If your teen wants to buy these and other novelty contact lenses online, know that some may not be FDA approved unless they are purchased through the right channels.
Contact lenses are medical devices. Wearing contacts that aren’t fitted and prescribed by a professional could damage your teen’s eyes. Consult your eye doctor for more information on this subject.
Consider disposable contacts for teens
Wearing clean contacts is key for maintaining healthy eyes. Getting dailies (disposable contact lenses that you toss at the end the day) can help.
With disposable contact lenses, the wear schedule is easy to remember.
Dailies can help with allergies, soothing irritated eyes.
They offer a self-esteem boost in helping teens succeed with their new responsibility.
Contacts and sports: A winning pair
If your teen plays sports in school or with a league, contacts can make life easier for both of you.
No broken glasses means you stop worrying about glasses-related injuries and costly repairs or replacements.
No more slipping or falling glasses during practice or games.
Contact lenses cover a wider field of view, giving you better peripheral vision.
Contact lenses make it easier to wear protective goggles.
Having the talk: Your teen’s first time with contacts
This is an important responsibility. Handling contacts properly helps keep your eyes and vision at their best. Some tips you should share with your teen include:
Don’t share contacts
Not only can sharing contacts encourage infection, but wearing contact lenses that are fitted and have the proper prescription is critical to protecting your vision.
Handle with care
Contact lenses can rip. Never wear ripped contact lenses, which can scratch your eyes.
Wash hands before inserting
Your eyes are one of your immune system’s most vulnerable points, and germs that find their way to your contacts wind up in your eyes.
Let your teen know that contact lenses can offer many benefits, but they require the care we discussed, too.
Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional. For specific questions, please see your eye care practitioner.