Has your child been wanting to switch to contact lenses, but you aren’t sure if they are ready? Here are five definitive signs that your child is ready to switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses, and how our Calgary optometrists can make the transition as easy and safe as possible.
As a parent, it’s natural to have some concerns about the safety of contact lenses for children but rest assured that they are a perfectly safe and effective alternative to eyeglasses. In fact, if your child is mature and responsible enough to handle their contact lenses, this vision correction method can have many benefits, including:
- Clearer vision and fewer visual distortions
- Safer to wear when engaging in sports and other activities
- Significantly improved quality of life and self-confidence
- Improved physical appearance
If you are considering allowing your child to switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses, it’s important to book an appointment with your optometrist. Such a professional is in the best position to determine whether or not your child is ready for this change and to help find the right type of lens for your child or teenager.
Comprehensive Contact Lens Fittings at Our Calgary Eye Clinic
At our Calgary eye clinic, our team of friendly and professional eye doctors can provide comprehensive contact lens fittings for your child to determine if they are ready to make the switch from eyeglasses and to help find the right fit and right type of contact lens for them.
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5 Signs Your Child Is Ready for Contact Lenses
As your child grows older, they may start asking about switching from eyeglasses to contact lenses. While this can be a difficult decision for parents to make, visiting your Calgary optometrist for an eye exam and advice is often the best step to help you make the safest and most informed choice for your child.
Aside from that, here are five signs to watch out for that may indicate your child is ready to make this transition:
1. Their eyeglasses are in good condition.
If your child scratches their eyeglasses easily or misplaces them frequently they are most likely not ready for the transition into contact lenses. There is a lot more maintenance required with contact lenses and only a child who is very responsible with their eyeglasses is likely to be the same way about their lenses.
2. There are special circumstances.
If your child has a valid reason for wanting to wear contact lenses, this is something you should seriously consider. For example, if your child participates in a sport that requires them to wear protective head-gear, then contact lenses will allow them to see clearly without being uncomfortable in eyeglasses that may get in the way.
3. Is your child ready for the responsibility?
All contact lenses require a certain level of care, whether it’s cleaning them daily or remembering to remove them on time. If you are constantly reminding your child to clean up after themself, or they never complete their school assignments or chores on time, you might want to wait a little longer before allowing them to make the transition. Make sure your child can maintain good daily habits so you can have the confidence that they will handle the responsibility of contact lenses.
4. Does your child understand the importance of hygiene?
Although contact lenses are among the safest and most popular forms of vision correction, they require proper care. If your child doesn’t take hygiene seriously, it could have a negative impact on their eye health. When talking to your child about making this transition, be sure to stress the importance of safe and healthy eye and contact lens care.
5. Your child is fine with touching their eyes.
For your child to be ready for contact lenses, they must be comfortable putting something in their eye. See how well your child does with putting eye drops in their own eyes — if they can master this quite easily, they may be a good candidate for contact lenses.
We Help Make the Switch From Eyeglasses to Lenses Safe and Easy
If you feel that your child may be ready for contact lenses, our Calgary optometrists can ensure that they are a suitable candidate. During a contact lens fitting, we will assess their maturity level, determine the right type of lens for them, and ensure that they are comfortable putting them in and taking them out.
To find out more, contact our Calgary eye clinic at 403-286-4884 or fill in our online contact form.
