Children are beginning to wear glasses at a younger age than ever before.  Increased cases of overuse and eyestrain needing visual correction are being realized with the high demand and usage of technology gadgets, iPads and tablets, computers and cell phones that are used by young children.

Competitive sports add a different component in the need to see distance, increased chance of eye injury from glasses in contact sports and difficulty in seeing during inclement weather.  These factors are prompting the switch to contact lenses.

The Contact Lenses in Pediatrics (CLIP) study that was conducted found that children as young as 8 years old are capable of properly inserting, removing and caring for contact lenses and had no increased risk of contact lens-related eye problems compared with teenagers enrolled in the study.

Contact lenses have changed in their makeup and offer a variety of brands to choose from.  New materials allow for oxygen to flow to the eye and provide higher water content in lenses that add comfort in wearing them.

Cost can be another factor to consider.  Daily lenses can run as little as $2 per day.   They are worn once and then discarded.  There is no need for sterilization and storage.

Children ages 8-12 make up 40% of new contact wearers.  It’s not surprising that the switch to contacts may occur during those awkward pre-teen years where kids want to fit in and they feel glasses make them stand out in the crowd.

Children who are ready for contacts must take responsibility for their care and understand the importance of having clean hands when putting contact lenses in or taking them out.  Because it takes effort in learning how to wear and care for contact lenses, children must be willing to learn.

Bissell Eye Care works with families through the use of trial lenses to find the right fit to meet your needs.  Once we have identified the correct brand for you, then we order the contacts.  Young and old alike enjoy the freedom that contact lenses offer.

About the author:  John D.  Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify.  The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.