As you prepare for the back-to-school season, you might think about new backpacks and school supplies. This is also a great time to schedule your child’s annual eye exam. Contact lenses can offer a fresh perspective for kids and teens in the classroom and during their favourite activities.
Many parents wonder if contacts are a suitable choice for their children. With proper guidance and today’s modern options, contact lenses can be a safe and convenient alternative to glasses for many kids and teens. Let’s explore what you should know about contact lenses for younger wearers.
Is Your Child Ready for Contact Lenses?
Deciding on contact lenses isn’t just about age, it’s about readiness and responsibility. We can help you determine if this is the right next step for your family. A successful experience starts with a child’s readiness to care for their lenses. We can help you determine if this is the right step for your family.
Signs of Responsibility & Readiness
Think about your child’s daily habits. Do they handle homework, keep their room in order, or manage personal hygiene with little prompting? These are reassuring signs they may be ready for the responsibility of contact lenses.
A child who shows interest and asks about contacts is also more likely to be motivated. This motivation is key to learning proper insertion, removal, and cleaning. It shows they’re ready to take ownership of their eye health.
A Professional Contact Lens Fitting Matters
A professional fitting goes beyond a routine eye exam. Our optometrists take precise measurements to ensure the lenses sit comfortably and give clear vision. This careful process helps set your child up for success.
During the contact lens fitting, we also identify the type of lens that best suits your child’s lifestyle and vision needs. Not all contact lenses are the same, and not every lens will fit every eye. Poorly fitting lenses can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, or even eye health issues. That’s why a professional recommendation—and a proper fit—make all the difference for a safe, positive experience.
Benefits of Contacts for School & Sports
Contact lenses can provide more than just clear vision, they can offer a new sense of freedom. For active kids and teens, this can be a welcome change. From the classroom to the soccer field, contacts can give kids more freedom to focus on what matters—learning, playing, and enjoying their day without the hassle of glasses.
Freedom in the Classroom
Contacts provide a full field of clear vision, which can be helpful for seeing the board from any seat. There are no frames to obstruct their view or slip down their nose. This can also help with comfort during screen time and reduce concerns about digital eye strain.
For children who feel self-conscious in glasses, contacts can be a big boost. Feeling good about their appearance can help them focus on their studies. It’s one less thing for them to worry about during a busy school day.
A Clear Advantage in Activities
If your child plays sports, you know that glasses can be a hassle. Contacts stay in place during fast-paced movement and won’t get foggy or splattered with rain. They also provide better peripheral vision, which is useful in many sports.
Safety is another benefit. With contacts, there’s no risk of glasses breaking and causing an eye injury during a game. This allows your child to play with more focus, less hesitation, and fewer worries about preventing common eye injuries.
Finding the Right Contact Lenses for Your Child
Technology has created many contact lens options designed for comfort and convenience. We can help you navigate the choices, from easy-to-use daily disposables to specialty lenses. The right type of lens depends on your child’s specific needs.
Daily Disposables for Easy Care
Daily disposable lenses are a popular choice for children and teens. Your child wears a fresh pair each day and simply discards them at night. This eliminates the need for cleaning and storing, which simplifies the routine.
This option is also very hygienic, as it reduces the chance of buildup on the lens surface. For busy families and first-time wearers, the convenience of daily disposables is a significant advantage.
Myopia Management & Contacts
For some children, certain contact lenses can do more than just correct vision. Specific types of multifocal contacts are designed for myopia management. These lenses can help slow down the progression of nearsightedness in children.
Myopia management is a proactive way to protect your child’s long-term vision. During their eye exam, we’ll discuss whether these specialized contact lenses are right for them.
What to Expect at a Contact Lens Exam
The first step toward contact lenses is a comprehensive exam and fitting. We make the process educational and comfortable, taking time to answer every question—yours and your child’s. Our goal is to give them the skills and confidence to wear contacts safely.
What Happens at a Fitting?
After a complete eye health check, we’ll measure the curve and size of your child’s eye. Then, we place a trial lens on the eye to check the fit and vision. We make sure the lens moves correctly and feels comfortable.
We understand that a first fitting can feel like a big step. That’s why we take time to explain the process clearly, answer every question, and make sure you and your child feel ready.
Learn to Handle Contacts Safely
A big part of the first appointment is hands-on training. We teach your child how to properly insert, remove, and care for their new lenses. We won’t send you home until both you and your child feel confident with the process.
We provide clear instructions and helpful tips to make the daily routine easy to remember. Our team is here to support you as your child gets used to their new lenses. Practice and patience are the keys to success.
Common Questions About Kids & Contacts
It’s natural for parents to have questions about contact lenses for their children. We hear many of the same concerns from families. Here are a few straightforward answers to some common questions.
How Old Should a Child Be?
There is no set age for starting with contact lenses. We typically see children ready between the ages of 8 and 12, but it truly depends on the individual. The most important factors are their personal motivation and ability to follow instructions for safe lens care.
How Hard Is It to Care for Contacts?
Many parents wonder if contacts are too much responsibility. With today’s daily disposable options, care is simpler than ever—kids just wear a fresh pair each day and throw them away at night. This routine can make contact lens wear more manageable for families.
Can My Child Still Wear Stylish Eyewear?
Yes, absolutely. Contact lenses don’t replace glasses completely. Every contact lens wearer should have an updated pair of glasses as a backup. This way, if your child needs to go without their lenses for any reason—whether for rest, irritation, or other eye health needs—they’ll still have clear, comfortable vision.
This gives them the flexibility to switch between contacts and their favourite eyewear and frames. Many teens enjoy having both options to match their activity or mood. We can help you find stylish eyewear they’ll love to wear.
Start the School Year with Clear Vision
A new school year is the perfect opportunity to support your child’s vision and confidence. Contact lenses can give them the freedom to learn, play, and participate without distraction. At Dr. Bishop & Associates in Calgary, we’re here to make the process comfortable and reassuring for both you and your child.
Book an appointment for a children’s eye exam and professional contact lens fitting today. Together, we can give your child a clear and confident start to the school year.
