As a child I had to wear glasses and I really understand the hassle and aggravation associated with them. The usual childish ‘four-eyes’ taunts, the lack of self-esteem as none of my friends had to wear glasses and the total impracticalities of activities such as gymnastics, dancing and swimming. Children with poor eyesight now have the option of contact lenses, which can rid them of all the typical problems that wearing glasses brings.
Contact lenses can be worn from a very early age as they are very safe, but most doctors start to prescribe them to children between the ages of 11 and 12 years. Mainly because they are deemed responsible enough to follow the Opticians instructions and also cope with the disinfecting, cleaning and storing regime associated with having lenses. However, a study by the Ohio State University showed that children 8-12 years old were very capable of wearing them and were very adept at inserting, cleaning and wearing them responsibly like their teenage counterparts. Overall, these children were delighted at the freedom not having to wear glasses gave them and they all noticed an increase in their participation of sports and other activities.
So how does the cost and benefits of contact lenses compare with glasses?
This is a matter of opinion and budget. A pair of glasses is generally a one-off payment and your child can wear them until their prescription changes or you wish to change the frame because your child’s head has outgrown them. However, children are very active and the risk of loss, breakage, scratched lenses or perhaps a cut from a broken lens is inevitable.
With contact lenses there is the cost of the lenses themselves and also the cost of cleaning solution. You may have to buy an additional lens here and there due to a breakage or inadvertently losing one down the plug hole. However, the cost of them has significantly reduced over the years due to the high volume of people now wearing them and also the reputable online companies that can offer products at up to 70% off the general retail price. Just as long as you always have a valid prescription for your child’s eyes then buying online is totally safe and economical.
Children are generally only prescribed a six-month supply because children and teenagers’ eyesight can change very fast, unlike adults who can purchase a one year supply.
A good option to consider for children is to wear contacts for activities such as swimming or contact sports and wear their glasses at other times. Daily disposable lenses are great for this and if you feel your child won’t or can’t stick to the cleaning routine needed you don’t need to worry because you can use these lenses straight from their packaging and dispose of them after use.
If you think that your child is responsible enough to cope with wearing and looking after contact lenses and wants to be free from the restrictions of glasses then make an appointment with your Optician.
Michelle is a contact lens and eye health researcher who provides unbiased consumer information about contact lenses and online contact lens suppliers.
For a full list of all the reputable online contact lens companies, check out thecontactlensdirectory for a complete overview of their products, services and features so you can easily and quickly find the right provider for you.