Five Things You Need to Know About Myopia & Contact Lenses for Kids

Does your child keep rubbing their eyes frequently, or do they always squint their eyes to see at a distance? It shouldn’t come as a surprise if the school nurse or your eye doctor tells you it is because of myopia or nearsightedness, which causes trouble seeing things at a distance. Myopia is a prevalent vision problem affecting millions of children worldwide. As a parent, it is essential for you to understand the best vision correction options available for your child. While glasses have been a traditional and go-to choice, contact lenses are becoming increasingly popular.

Here are five important things you need to know about myopia and contact lenses for kids.

#1 Age Considerations

One of the immediate concerns you might have when considering contact lenses for your children is whether or not they are suitable at a young age. While there is no fixed age restriction, most eye care professionals recommend contact lenses for kids who are mature enough to handle the responsibility. Ideally, this is around the age of 11 to 14, but it can vary depending on your child’s maturity level.

#2 Comfort & Adaptation

Wearing contact lenses for the first time may feel unfamiliar to your child and require an adaptation period. Some children may find adjusting easy, while others may take much longer. Keep reasonable expectations and understand that it may take a few days or weeks for your child to become comfortable wearing contact lenses. Regular follow-ups with your eye specialist during this period can help address any concerns, guide your child on the proper use of lenses, and ensure correct fitting as well as optimal vision correction.

#3 Proper Hygiene & Lens Care

Contact lenses require diligent hygiene practices to prevent infections. As a parent, it will be crucial for you to educate your child about proper lens care, including washing hands before handling lenses or using only recommended cleaning solutions. Encourage your child to be responsible for their lens care routine and supervise them until they can manage it independently. You must also adhere to the lens replacement schedule provided by your optometrist. Teaching your child and helping them Maintain good hygiene habits will ensure a comfortable wearing experience for your little one.

#4 Myopia Control

Another advantage of contact lenses besides correcting vision is their potential for myopia control. Progression of myopia in children can lead to increasingly stronger prescriptions, which can cause long-term vision-related issues. Some specific types of contact lenses, like CooperVision MiSight^® have shown promising results in slowing down myopia progression. These lenses exert specific optical effects on the eye, helping curb myopia’s worsening. Discuss with your eye care professional whether or not myopia-control contact lenses may suit your child.

#5 Lifestyle Considerations

Contact lenses offer multiple benefits for kids with active lifestyles. Some of these include clearer peripheral vision, better depth perception, and freedom from the constraints of glasses during physical activities. However, it is necessary to consider your child’s specific activities before opting for contact lenses. Certain sports or environments, such as water sports or dusty outdoor activities, may not be conducive to wearing contacts. Discuss your child’s lifestyle and preferences with your eye care professional to make an informed decision.

To Conclude

Contact lenses can be excellent for kids with myopia. Specialty contact lenses like MiSight^® can provide vision correction, myopia control, and increased flexibility for various activities. However, you must first assess your child’s maturity level, comfort, and preferences before blindly making a decision. Understand these five crucial factors to make the right choice and manage your child’s myopia in the best manner possible.