Contact lenses may be better for sports, because they don’t break like glasses can. This makes contact lens a safer option. Often, contact lenses improve the quality of vision in comparison to eyeglasses, especially if the corrective lens is of a high power. However, it’s important to consider when contact lenses are safe for children.
As a parent you must remember that contact lenses must be used with great caution in children, and only on advice of your eye doctor. Even infants may be prescribed contact lenses, if required. That said, most doctors prefer to prescribe contact lenses for children after they are twelve years or older. However, children above the age of eight may be eligible for contact lenses if they are responsible about hygiene.
Also, if there’s even a suspicion of a problem in the eye, the contact lenses must be removed immediately. And you must contact your doctor immediately.
Contact Lens and Children
In case your child is responsible about his or her health and hygiene, you may consider contact lenses. Hand hygiene is of paramount importance.
Here are some important things to remember if your child needs contact lenses.
Do’s and Donts
- Do not share contact lenses with another child.
- Do not use saliva to moisten the contact lens.
- Do not use cosmetic lenses from unlicensed stores.
- Do not sleep with the lens in the eye.
- Avoid extended wear lenses (lenses that can be worn overnight or during sleep) for because they can increase the risk of corneal ulcers.
- Avoid lenses if your child has allergies. Using lenses may worsen the problem
- Follow your doctors instructions about duration of lens use.
- Prefer to use daily disposable lenses since a new pair is used each day
Risks of contact lens use
- Eye infections including conjunctivitis and vision threatening complications like corneal ulcers
- Corneal abrasions
- Papillary conjunctivitis and eye allergies
- Dry eye
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage — meaning that your eye can be bruised from contact lenses.
Contact Lens Safety Tips
- Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Use a clean, lint-free towel to dry your hands.
- Make sure you use the prescribed solution to clean your lenses. Make sure the solution is not expired. Also ensure that the bottle cap is replaced properly after each use.
- Clean, rinse and disinfect your lenses as directed.
- Never wear your lenses for longer than prescribed. Do not sleep with your lenses in the eye, unless you’ve been asked to do so by your doctor.
- Never wear anybody else’s contact lenses.
- wear safety goggles or glasses over your lenses during sports and hobbies.
- Apply your make up after wearing lenses.
- Remove your contact lenses before removing makeup.
- Always have a pair of back-up glasses handy. Also, always carry your lens case and contact lens solution with you.
- Never wear contact lens if your eye is red, hurting or irritated.
- If your eye is uncomfortable in any way: itching, burning, red, immediately remove your lenses and contact your eye doctor.
