If you’ve just found out your child’s vision isn’t 20/20, you’re not alone. More and more kids need corrective eyewear due to the rise of vision issues.
Nearsightedness or myopia has become incredibly widespread globally, present in around one in three children and teenagers. It’s also set to rise sharply in the coming years, and experts predict that around 740 million young people will be affected by it by 2050. Glasses are the common route many parents take to help their children see clearly, but contact lenses are also a viable option.
Some children may prefer them since they’re not noticeable like glasses, or are more convenient for playing sports and other activities. Despite the pros, there are also risks to wearing contact lenses, both for kids and adults. Children can be a bigger concern, as they may not know good hygiene habits, or how to wear them properly. There are important considerations to ensure your child is ready to wear contact lenses; here’s what to know:
Various types
There are many different kinds of contact lenses, so it’s good to go through the various options to find what suits your child’s vision needs and preferences. Daily contact lenses are designed to be worn for a day and disposed of; they don’t require cleaning or storing. Bi-weekly, monthly, and other reusable or extended-wear contact lenses can be worn and should be replaced as indicated. They should also be cleaned with, and stored in, fresh contact solution daily to remove bacteria and other particles. Some contact lenses are also designed for specific vision issues; toric contact lenses can offer enhanced clarity if your child has astigmatism. You and your child can browse digital retailers to understand what’s available and then buy contact lenses online. Retailer Lenstore offers a wide range of contact lenses, from daily ones like the Dailies AquaComfort Plus to toric lenses like Biofinity Toric. These contact lenses also come with technologies to enhance comfort and moisture, and contacts like the 1-Day Acuvue Oasys Moist even feature UV protection, which may be helpful for active and sporty kids.
Proper hygiene
Proper hygiene is a non-negotiable when handling contact lenses, as bacteria, dirt, and other particles can become trapped in the eye and cause irritation and infection. This can be especially worrying when it comes to kids, as they’re often touching toys, tapping away on their gadgets, playing outside or with their pets, and more. These activities can transfer all kinds of contaminants if they rub their eyes or remove and apply contact lenses without cleaning their hands. Before you buy your child contact lenses, teach them the proper hygiene habits to ensure their eyes are safe. Demonstrate how and when they should wash their hands before handling their contact lenses and how to put them in or remove them safely. If they wear extended-wear contact lenses, you can guide them through the proper steps to clean their contacts and case using contact lens solution. Talk about things they should never do with contact lenses, such as sleeping with them, cleaning them with water, showering or swimming with them, and more. You can print out a checklist or to-do list for applying contact lenses safely and important reminders to ensure they’re practising proper hygiene.
Contact lens essentials
Aside from the contact lenses, your child may need other essentials to clean and store them. If they wear reusable contact lenses, they’ll need a case to put them in and a bottle of contact lens solution for disinfecting them. These aren’t necessary for daily contact lenses since they’re only meant to be worn once, but they can be good to have just in case. Eye drops are also something they can bring with them to make the contact lenses feel more comfortable. They help add moisture to the eye to prevent discomfort from dryness. Eye drops like the Systane Complete Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops can hydrate and protect all layers of tear film, ensuring your child can feel relief throughout the day. You can put all of these items in a bag to create a contact lens kit they can store in their room or bring to school for easy access, and to prevent misplacement.
Other eye health habits
Aside from managing contact lenses, you can also help your child develop good eye health habits. This can help make contact lens wear more comfortable and preserve healthy eyes and vision for longer. A healthy diet can help enhance overall health and the eyes’ functions. Fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, can provide essential nutrients to the eyes and protect them from harmful free radicals that destroy cells. Incorporate these into your family meals for a health boost for everyone. Hydration also helps keep the eyes moist, which can ensure contact lenses feel comfortable. Consider having your kids bring a reusable water bottle so they can take quick sips at school, on the playground, and at home. You can also encourage your kids to reduce their screen time. Spending long hours using a computer, tablet, or TV can strain their eyes and may even contribute to myopia development. Set aside family time that doesn’t involve gadgets; go for a walk, play sports outdoors, read books together, or enjoy supper together. It’s a great way to bond and promote healthy eye care habits for the whole family.
