Can Kids Wear Contact Lenses Safely?

At Merivale Vision Care, we frequently hear from parents who wonder: Can kids wear contact lenses safely? We understand the concerns—contacts are medical devices directly interacting with your child’s eyes. 

In this post, we’ll unpack the science, review safety guidelines, and share practical advice so families can make informed decisions together.

The Growing Popularity of Kids in Contacts

‍Contact lens wear among children and teens has significantly increased in recent years. With advances in lens materials, better hygiene products, and lenses designed specifically for younger eyes, contacts are no longer reserved for adults. 

Many children, particularly active ones involved in sports or self-conscious about eyeglasses, opt for contact lenses; we support that safely.

Safety Standards & FDA Approval

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada have approved certain contact lenses for children as young as eight or nine, provided their eye doctor deems them appropriate. 

These guidelines are based on clinical trials assessing children’s ability to properly handle, use, and care for lenses.

At Merivale Vision Care, we diligently follow these standards. Before recommending lenses, we evaluate your child’s eye health, maturity level, and physical ability to manage contact lens hygiene. 

This includes ensuring they can handle the lenses without poking the eye and can follow instructions exactly.

Assessing Your Child’s Readiness

Whether your child is ready is not just about age. We consider several factors:

• Manual dexterity: Can they handle small lenses without damaging them?
• Responsibility: Will they follow the cleaning and wear schedule?
• Motivation: Are they truly interested in wearing contacts, or is it a fleeting desire?
• Parental supervision: Will you help establish and enforce a lens care routine?

If we determine your child meets these criteria, they’re usually a good candidate for contact lenses.

Hygiene and Infection Management

Contact lens-related infections can happen, but are rare, especially when good hygiene habits are in place. We extensively educate families about critical practices:

1. Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
2. Use proper cleaning solutions, never water or homemade mixtures.
3. Follow the wear schedule, avoiding overnight or extended wear unless prescribed.
4. Replace lenses as instructed, avoiding overuse.
5. Know the signs of trouble—redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge—and seek immediate help.

In Summary

Can kids wear contact lenses safely? Absolutely—as long as we follow recommended guidelines, choose the right lens type, and support our child through proper training and follow-up care.

At Merivale Vision Care, we’re committed to providing a supportive pathway. If you’re curious whether your child is a good candidate, we’d be happy to set up a personalized assessment. Let’s navigate this journey together. Contact us today to get started.