Maybe you will be surprised now, but ophthalmologists agree: a child is allowed to wear contact lenses from the age of 8. Moreover, in some situations they will be prescribed even to a pre-school student.
Is it harmful for a child to wear contact lenses?
«Parents often believe that contact lenses prevent the flow of oxygen and children’s eyes do not breathe, and also that they interfere with the formation of eyes,» says the doctor. — In fact, it is not. Modern lenses are made of silicone hydrogel, this material keeps the eyes hydrated and allows oxygen to pass through. In addition, contact lenses do not affect the development of the visual system. Therefore, if the child himself shows interest in contact products, believes that he will feel confident in them, then you should not say a categorical «no».»
Is it possible to use lenses up to 8 years old?
Yes, it is possible, in consultation with a doctor. There are cases when lenses are prescribed to children at a very early age for medical reasons, for example, to get rid of strabismus.
«If a child can carry out all the procedures himself, is ready to take care of the lenses, then they are allowed to be used from an earlier age,» adds the doctor.
How to choose contact lenses for a child?
Jack Brown advises using one-day contact lenses for children, which must be removed at night.
«These are 2 health parameters — oxygen transmission and UV protection,» the doctor says. — And 2 comfort parameters: softness — the higher the percentage of humidity, the better, and flexibility – the lower the modulus of elasticity, the less the lens is felt in the eye.»
And yet, which is better: glasses or lenses?
Jack Brown reminds: you need to make a choice together with your doctor. And calls the arguments in favor of contact lenses.
«They are comfortable when doing sports, they can be worn in any weather and they do not limit the field of vision,» says the ophthalmologist.
But the glasses have their advantages: firstly, it is the safest way to correct vision. because there is no direct contact with the eyes, and secondly, they can be worn without time or age restrictions.
«Contact lenses will not be a full—fledged replacement for glasses,» Brown warns.- For example, they should not be worn during colds or inflammatory processes in the eyes (conjunctivitis, blepharitis).»
