Can Children Age 12 Wear Contacts? Expert Advice & Insights
Yes, children age 12 can wear contact lenses if they’re responsible enough. It’s important they follow proper hygiene and care instructions. An eye doctor should assess their readiness first. In addition, parents should guide and monitor them to ensure safe use.
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As a parent, I know firsthand how challenging it can be when your child starts experiencing vision problems. My younger daughter, who just turned 12, was eager to switch from glasses to contact lenses. But, like many parents, I had concerns. Can children age 12 wear contacts? How do you manage hygiene and care? From my experience, the answer is yes—if they are ready. In this blog, I will share my journey with my daughter’s transition to contact lenses and offer guidance to other parents facing similar challenges.
Is 12 the Right Age for Contact Lenses?
When my daughter first asked about wearing contact lenses, I wasn’t sure if she was ready. At age 12, children are at a stage where they are becoming more independent. But still I was concerned about her developing maturity and responsibility. Here’s 3 key factors that I considered:
Developmental Readiness
At 12, many kids are mature enough to take care of contact lenses. They understand the importance of hygiene and can follow instructions better than younger children. My daughter was able to handle the caring method, and it reassured me that she could manage the responsibility.
Eye Health and Hygiene Responsibility
Contact lenses require diligent care to avoid infections. I made sure my daughter understood the importance of washing her hands before handling her lenses. I taught her to clean her lenses properly. We practiced together for a few weeks before she fully transitioned to wearing them daily.
Professional Recommendations
Before making the switch from glasses to contact lenses, we consulted with an eye care specialist. The optometrist assessed my daughter’s eye health and gave us a detailed rundown of the pros and cons. Many professionals agree that children of 12 years old can wear contacts. But, it ultimately depends on the child’s maturity and ability to care for them properly.
Types of Contact Lenses Suitable for Children
Choosing the right type of contact lenses is another important step. Not all lenses are suitable for young kids.
Soft vs. Rigid Gas-Permeable Lenses
Soft contact lenses are often the best option for children because they are more comfortable and easier to adapt to. My daughter started with soft lenses, which made the transition smoother.
Rigid gas-permeable lenses, while more durable, require a longer adjustment period and are less common for young children.
Daily Disposables vs. Extended Wear Lenses
For my daughter, we opted for daily disposable lenses. This meant she didn’t have to worry about cleaning them every day. She could simply throw the lenses away after use. This is especially helpful for younger children who may struggle with the cleaning process.
Extended wear lenses require more care and aren’t generally recommended for children.
Specific Vision Issues
If your child has specific vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness), there are lenses designed to specially address these conditions.
Benefits of Contact Lenses for 12-Year-Olds
Once my daughter got used to wearing contacts, we noticed several benefits:
- Improved Vision: Contacts provided better peripheral vision compared to glasses, which was especially important during sports and outdoor activities.
- Increased Confidence: Like many pre-teens, my daughter was becoming more conscious of her appearance. Contacts gave her the confidence to feel more comfortable in social situations.
- Comfort During Activities: Whether playing sports or just being active, contacts were much more practical than glasses. My daughter was no longer worried about glasses slipping or breaking during a game.
- Freedom from Glasses: Lenses allowed my daughter to experiment with her appearance and feel less restricted. She enjoyed the freedom of not having to rely on glasses all the time.
How to Find Out If Your Child Is Ready for Contacts?
- Demonstrates Responsibility: If your child consistently takes care of their belongings and follows through on tasks, they may be ready for contacts.
- Good Hygiene Habits: Proper handwashing and cleanliness are crucial. Make sure your child already practices good hygiene.
- Willingness to Learn: Your child needs to be open to learning the proper way to handle and care for their lenses.
- Consult with an Eye Care Professional: Get a professional opinion. They can assess your child’s eye health and readiness.
Tips for Helping Your 12-Year-Old Adapt to Contact Lenses
- Start with Short Wear Times: Gradually increase the time your child wears their contacts each day to help them adjust.
- Teach Proper Lens Hygiene: Emphasize the importance of washing hands before handling lenses and following the cleaning routine.
- Use Reminders: Set reminders to help your child remember when to remove, clean, or replace their lenses.
- Encourage Open Communication: Make sure your child feels comfortable talking to you if they experience discomfort or issues with their lenses.
Pros and Cons of Contact Lenses
Pros
- Enhanced vision and comfort
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- Convenience for sports and physical activities
- No worries about glasses breaking or getting lost
Cons
- Requires consistent hygiene and care
- Potential for eye infections if not managed properly
- May cause discomfort during the adjustment period
- Initial cost of fitting and purchasing lenses
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Are contact lenses 100% safe?
Answer: Contact lenses are generally safe when used correctly, but they aren’t 100% risk-free. If you want to avoid potential issues like infections or discomfort then you have to maintain proper hygiene and follow your doctor’s instructions. Regular check-ups help ensure they remain a safe option for your eye health.
Question: Can I take a 20 minute nap with contacts in?
Answer: Yes, you can take a short 20-minute nap with contacts in, it is less of a risk than a full sleep cycle. But, it is always best to remove contact lenses before a short nap.
Question: Can I wear contacts for 12 hours?
Answer: Yes, many people wear contacts for up to 12 hours a day without issues. Just make sure you follow your eye doctor’s guidelines and give your eyes regular breaks. If you experience discomfort or dryness, consider switching to lenses designed for longer wear or consult with your eye care professional.
Question: Can I rub my eyes with contacts in?
Answer: It’s best to avoid rubbing your eyes with contacts in, as it can cause discomfort or even dislodge the lenses. If your eyes feel itchy or irritated, try using lubricating drops instead. If rubbing is necessary, gently remove the lenses first to prevent damage.
Question: Is contact lens painful?
Answer: Contact lenses shouldn’t be painful if they fit properly and are used correctly. Some initial discomfort or irritation is normal, but it should go away as you get used to them. If you experience persistent pain, it’s a good idea to check with your eye doctor to ensure everything is okay.
Conclusion
To recap, the question of whether children age 12 can wear contact lenses depends largely on their maturity and ability to handle responsibility. If they are ready, contacts can offer many benefits. Lenses can improve vision, increase confidence, and give comfort during activities. However, it’s important to consider the pros and cons carefully and consult with an eye care professional before making the decision.
From my personal experience as a parent, helping my daughter transition to contacts has been a positive journey. But it required patience, guidance, and ensuring he was truly ready. If you’re considering contacts for your child, take the time to assess their readiness, consult with a specialist, and ensure they understand the importance of proper care.
