In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of kids who need to use visual aids like glasses and contact lenses. The CDC highlights that 6.8 percent of kids under the age of eighteen have some form of eye or vision problem. While many people blame the increasing use of screens, other factors play a role, such as genetics and access to natural light.
Vision problems can have an impact on your child’s behavior and concentration, so it is vital to get them checked out as soon as possible if you think they are having eye issues. When vision problems are present, your doctor may prescribe vision correction aids such as contact lenses. If your child has been prescribed contact lenses to help their vision, then read on to find out some useful contact lenses safety tips.
When Can Kids Use Contact Lenses?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) revealed that optometrists believe that soft contact lenses can be an appropriate treatment for kids aged ten and above. Before ten, glasses are the primary method of vision correction. As kids get older, they may be prescribed a mixture of glasses and contact lenses, but by the time kids reach their late teens, there is a significant increase in a contacts-only approach.
Because materials and research have improved, contact lenses have become more widely used. There are currently over 4 million kids under the age of eighteen who use contact lenses, and the research suggests that kids under the age of ten might also benefit from lenses. However, that all depends on how responsible they are with their personal hygiene and cleanliness around the home.
Teach Them Good Habits
To start with, you will need to play an active role in the care and application of lenses, especially with younger children. Failure to correctly store, clean, and wear lenses can lead to problems such as eye infections.
Your child should always wash their hands with soap and warm water before touching the lenses. Contact lenses need to be prepared with a solution before they are applied. Your specialist will show them how to do it when they are preparing their prescription, but it always helps if you are on hand to make sure they are doing it properly from the beginning.
Generally, kids who are responsible for their grooming, personal hygiene, and household chores will be good candidates for contact lenses. Create a regular routine for putting on lenses in the morning and removing them before bedtime. After some initial supervision, they should be good to go.
Let Them Know About the Risks
It is vital that your child understands the risks associated with wearing contact lenses and keeps their lenses clean. They must not cut corners by using saliva to apply lenses. They should only ever use contact lens solution and should avoid using funky-colored lenses that aren’t prescribed, as they may cause irritation.
If your child is starting to wear makeup, they should put their lenses on first. Additionally, kids love to share, but they should never share their lenses, as this can cause eye irritation and may pass on infections.