Should Teenagers Be Allowed to Wear Contact Lenses?

The question of whether a teenager should be allowed to wear contact lenses is not one with a simple answer. It involves multiple considerations, including the level of maturity, eye health, lifestyle, and the recommendations of an eye care professional. In this article, we explore these factors in detail to help parents and guardians make informed decisions.

Maturity and Responsibility

Wearing contact lenses requires a certain level of responsibility, particularly concerning hygiene practices such as cleaning, storing, and disposing of the lenses. A teenager's ability to comprehend and follow these guidelines is crucial. If a teenager is sufficiently mature and responsible, they may be capable of handling the care and maintenance of contact lenses.

Evaluation of Eye Health

Before a teenager can be fitted with contact lenses, it is essential to have a thorough eye examination. This examination should be conducted by a qualified eye care professional who can assess whether the teenager’s eyes are healthy enough for contact lens wear. Some eye conditions, such as astigmatism, may necessitate the use of contact lenses for optimal vision correction. However, certain eye conditions may make wearing contact lenses unsuitable. Regular eye exams are also crucial for monitoring any changes in the eyes’ health.

Lifestyle and Comfort

A teenager’s lifestyle can significantly influence the decision to wear contact lenses. Teenagers who are active in sports or lead busy, on-the-go lives may find contact lenses more convenient than glasses. Additionally, contact lenses offer a clearer optical correction and an aesthetic benefit that some teenagers value highly.

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses come in various types, including daily disposables, which are often easier to manage for younger wearers. These lenses are designed for a single day’s use and are tossed away after every wear, eliminating the need for nightly care. Other contact lenses, such as weekly, monthly, or yearly disposables, may require more maintenance, including cleaning and storage. The choice of lens type should be based on the teenager’s lifestyle, level of responsibility, and the eye care professional’s recommendation.

Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up visits with an eye care professional are essential for monitoring the teenager’s eye health and ensuring that the contact lenses are being used correctly. These visits can also identify any potential issues early, such as dry eyes, irritation, or infections, which can be serious if left untreated.

Personal Experience: Learning Hygiene from a Young Age

My personal experience with wearing contact lenses began when I was 11 or 12, and my parents allowed me to wear them. In those days, one pair of yearly soft contact lenses, including a fitting and eye exam, cost 450. Unlike many today, I was educated on the importance of contact lens hygiene from a very young age. This early education has been instrumental in ensuring that I have maintained impeccable hygiene throughout my contact lens wear experience. Well-fitting lenses and immaculate hygiene are the keys to long-term, healthy contact lens wear.

Managing Nightly Care

It is important to note that not all contact lenses can be slept in, regardless of advertisements. For example, disposable soft lenses designed for one-day use are meant to be discarded after every wear and do not require nightly care. Weekly, monthly, or yearly contact lenses, on the other hand, require nightly care, including cleaning and storing the lenses properly.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional to determine the most suitable option for the teenager. A professional can provide guidance based on the teenager’s specific needs, lifestyle, and eye health. Whether a teenager is mature enough to handle the responsibility of contact lens care and whether their eyes are healthy enough for contact lens wear should be carefully considered before making a decision.