16
THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2021
| Eye Care |
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
CHILDREN want to wear contact lenses for many of the same reasons as adults : vision , clear view from all angles , and convenience .
In general , there is no specific age for kids to wear contact lenses . Optometrist Hambiah Liyana Hamzah shared that some studies showed that they kids were can wear contact lenses from as young as eight years old .
“ It is important that the parents and children get proper guidelines from their optometrists before deciding to wear contact lenses so that they would not develop an eye infection ,” she advised .
Misconceptions
Liyana noted that some parents may think that their child may not responsible enough to wear contact lenses due to various assumptions such as being too young . But she assures that contact lenses are safe for children .
“ Age , although important , should not be the only factor in the final decision . We can consult parents to let their kids wear contact lenses depending on the kid ’ s ability to be compliant on how to use contact lenses . Kids are actually more than capable of listening and following the proper care guidelines , provided we teach them . We tend to underestimate them .”
According to research , contact lens wear dramatically improves how children and teens feel about their appearance and participation in activities , leading to greater satisfaction with their refractive error correction .”
And parents too , play an important role in ensuring that their child too practises good contact lens care .
“ Sometimes , children don ’ t like to follow instructions . So , when the parents are having trouble with their children adhering to these care instructions , we may suggest for them to set stricter rules for the child .”
Glasses , contact lens and disposable contact lens
“ Usually , younger children may prefer
At what age can my child start wearing contact lenses ?
It is important that parents and children get proper guidelines from their optometrists before deciding
Equipment used for primary eye care checkup . Slit lamp ( left ) and auto refraction machine ( right ), which comes with topography and keratometer . glasses because they want to emulate their parents who wear glasses .”
However , the older kids and teens may prefer contact lenses for convenience during sports or for appearance sake .
“ Children who are interested in wearing contact lenses are supported by their parents ”.
Disposable contact lenses are highly recommended for kids , especially the daily disposables compared to the monthly disposables . “ Daily disposables are the safest and most convenient form of lens wear . It requires less lens care , which will make it easier for children to handle .”
“ They just need to put on the lenses in the morning and throw them away in the evening . The children don ’ t have to use solutions as there is no cleaning involved . They must ensure they don ’ t sleep with the lenses on and shouldn ’ t swim while using them .
Acuvue daily disposable contact lenses , which come in 30 lenses per box , are available for myopia , astigmatism , presbyopia and even for beauty .