Contact lenses are a popular option for kids and teens who want to leave their glasses behind and feel more confident — and more like themselves. But contact lenses do come with some risks, particularly if your child doesn't know how to properly care for their lenses or their eyes.
The team at ABC Children's Eye Specialists wants kids and teens to get the most from their contact lenses, offering custom fittings and guidance to keep their eyes healthy and their vision clear. Learn what you can do to help your child learn to care for their eyes and their new lenses.
When it comes to contact lens wear, we can’t overemphasize the importance of cleanliness. Poor hygiene when using these lenses dramatically increases the risk of infections, including serious infections that can lead to vision loss.
Make sure your child knows to wash their hands thoroughly and dry them well with a lint-free cloth before inserting their lenses. Teach them the proper way to thoroughly clean their lenses with contact lens solution — never plain water or saliva.
If your child uses cosmetics, they should apply those products after their lenses are inserted and remove their lenses before removing their makeup.
In addition to using the recommended cleaning solution, your child should use a contact lens storage case whenever their lenses are out of their eyes. Always use fresh solution when storing lenses — don’t reuse the old solution and don’t use water.
Be sure your child cleans their lens case with solution regularly and replaces the case every few months. When handling the lenses, tell your child to use the pads of their fingers, not their nails, and to check their lenses for damage or debris before inserting them in their eyes.
Help your child establish a regular routine for daily lens cleaning and care. Practicing the same steps over and over emphasizes the importance of proper lens care and minimizes the risk that your child will skip steps and encounter problems.
Wearing lenses too much can cause irritation, infection, and eye damage. Your child should wear lenses only for the amount of time prescribed and remove their lenses before sleep — including naps.
It’s also important to replace your child’s lenses as often as recommended. Be sure to bring your child in for exams as often as directed, and don’t skip exams. Generally, people of all ages who wear contacts need to be seen more often to check for problems that need treatment in their earliest stages.
Finally, make sure your child knows about symptoms that could indicate a problem with their lenses or with their eyes. Your child should not wear their lenses if their vision is blurry or if their eyes:
If your child has any of these symptoms or any difficulty seeing with their lenses, it’s very important to call the office and schedule a checkup right away. Until their office visit, your child should skip wearing contact lenses and wear their glasses instead.
Developing good eye care habits while your kids are young sets the stage for healthier habits — and better vision — during their adult years, too. To schedule an eye exam for your child, call our offices to book an appointment with the team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix, Avondale, and Mesa, Arizona, today.
