In recent years, it has become increasingly common to see children, some as young as five years old, confidently sporting contact lenses. It might seem quite surprising, given the general misconception that children and contact lenses don’t mix well. However, that assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Children are not only capable of handling contact lenses, but they can also enjoy several advantages from wearing them.
Benefits of Contact Lenses for Children
While it might take a little time and practice to get used to the handling and care routine, kids adapt surprisingly fast to contact lenses. They come with several unique advantages:
1. Improved Visual Acuity: Contacts offer a more natural field of view as they move along with the eyes. This advantage is particularly useful in sports, enhancing performance and safety.
2. Enhanced Self-esteem: Kids who are self-conscious about wearing glasses may find contacts boost their confidence and social acceptance.
3. Unhindered Physical Activity: Contact lenses offer greater flexibility for children in participating in physical activities and sports, without the worry of glasses falling off or getting broken.
Contact Lenses for Myopia Management
When it comes to controlling myopia progression, or short-sightedness, special types of contact lenses have proven to be effective. Over the years, contacts lenses have evolved as a trusted solution in the field of myopia management, slowing the progression of this vision disorder in children.
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is one such approach. Ortho-K lenses are custom-designed, rigid gas permeable contact lenses worn at night to reshape the cornea gradually, allowing clearer vision during the day without any eyewear. Ortho-K has shown promising results in controlling myopia in children. If you’re interested in exploring this further, you can learn more about orthokeratology here.
Another emerging technology is MiSight. These are soft contact lenses, specifically designed for myopia control. The special design of the lens slows the elongation of the eye, thereby controlling myopia progression. To learn more about how MiSight can benefit your child, click here.
As parents, we always want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health. With contact lenses, your child can have an improved vision, an increased sense of confidence, and the freedom to lead an active lifestyle without the constraint of only having glasses.
Do remember, an early eye exam can diagnose any vision issues your child might have, making early intervention and treatment possible. Make an appointment for an advanced eye examination today to determine if contact lenses are a good fit for your child. Your child’s journey to clear vision might just start with a pair of contact lenses.
