Is it time for your teen to wear contact lenses?
How old do you have to be to wear contacts?
While there is no age requirement to contact lens wear (even babies can wear them), most doctors begin offering contact lenses between the ages of 12-14. Most doctors wait until this age because they want the teen to be able to responsibly take care of their contact lenses. Contact lenses are an important responsibility and the parents, teen, and doctor work together to determine the appropriate age.
Do you need a prescription for contact lenses? Will a glasses prescription work?
By law, a prescription is required for contact lenses and glasses. Contacts are a medical device and need to be fit properly to reduce the risk of serious eye infection or disease. The contact lens prescription is different than a glasses prescription because it is fit to the curvature of the eye itself. Thus, the strength of a contact lens can be different than the strength of a glasses prescription.
Even colored contact lenses without vision correction in them require a doctor's prescription. Wearing contact lenses that are not fit by a doctor and significantly increase your risk of serious eye conditions.
Contact lens exams can often be done in conjunction with a regular eye exam. If you are interested in contacts or have questions, please let your doctor know at the beginning of the exam.
Are contact lenses safe for my teen?
If cared for properly, contact lenses may be safer than glasses for the active teen. While eyeglasses may be broken during play or sports, contact lenses offer consistent clear and comfortable vision.
Contact lenses should never be shared, as they may carry microorganisms that can cause infections. If your teen complains of discomfort, redness, or blurry vision - call your doctor for an appointment. Most often, discomfort with contact lenses starts with a mild problem but it can be more difficult to manage if treatment is delayed.
Is it ok to sleep in your contact lenses?
Not all contact lenses are recommended for overnight wear. Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless you are instructed by your doctor to do so. Sleeping in contact lenses that are not designed for overnight wear can increase your risk for serious eye conditions.
For more information on contact lenses please visit: www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/
