Oh, the pressure! Get good grades, excel in sports, work, hanging out with friends — and always, always look cool. If you’re a teenager today, much is expected.
But what to do if suddenly you can’t make out the writing on the blackboard, you can’t see the ball until it’s practically in your hands, or you have to squint to read the notes? What do you do and still look cool?
Try contact lenses. Glasses can definitely be fashionable, but for today’s active teenagers, contacts are a perfect fit. What parents may not know is that today’s lenses are more comfortable and easier to care for than those of a decade ago. Plus, there are more types of contacts from which to choose. In other words, there are almost certainly lenses to fit your individual needs.
When can you begin wearing contact lenses?
Even pre-teens can handle contacts. A three-year study* conducted by the Indiana University School of Optometry found children ages 11-13 able to handle contacts well and understand the use of their care systems to maintain clean, comfortable lenses. When to begin contact lens wear can only be determined in conjunction with your eye care practitioner.
What are the advantages of contact lenses over eyeglasses?
Glasses can get in the way. As a busy teen, glasses frames that cause interference with your side, or peripheral, vision is a nuisance. Not so with contact lenses. Another benefit is that contact lenses don’t steam up or slide down your nose. Plus, they eliminate that annoying pressure behind your ears.
“Will Young Children Comply and Follow Instructions to Successfully Wear Soft Contact Lenses?” by P.S. Soni, D.G. Horner, L. Jimenenz, J. Ross, J. Rounds; CLAO Journal, April 1995.)
Fact or Fiction? The Truth About Contact Lenses
Teen eyes are not “mature enough” for contacts.
FICTION! Most eye care professionals agree that by age 13, even as early as age 11, most eyes are developed enough for contact lenses. An eye exam will confirm whether contacts can be worn or not.
Contacts fall out a lot.
FICTION! This was a problem back when the only ones available were hard lenses. Now, soft lenses conform to the shape of the eye, are larger in diameter, and are tucked under the eyelids. This means they usually don’t move out of place or fall out. Plus, they’re usually more stable than glasses, especially for sports.
Contacts lenses are expensive.
FICTION! Not at all! The price of contact lenses is comparable to that of an average pair of eyeglasses.
Contact lenses are hard to care for.
FICTION! Today’s lens care systems are easy and quick to use. Contacts can be ready to wear in just five minutes.
Contact lenses are not safe to wear for sports.
FICTION! Except for water sports, contacts are very safe. They can’t be broken or knocked off the face and they provide unobstructed peripheral vision.
