The need to buy eyeglasses is often difficult for a teenager. Teenagers balk at the thought of being seen in glasses and looking ''uncool''. As opposed to eyeglasses, kids and teenagers that wear lenses feel a significant improvement in their appearance, says a recently released study. The research results show that beginning from the age of eight, pre-teens should be offered the choice of lenses. Results were recorded in the November issue of Eye & Contact Lens, published by the Contact Lens Association.
So why are contacts such a good option for teens? Young adults are self-conscious, and they often feel more positive about themselves when they're not wearing glasses. Lenses may help teens have a sense of greater self-esteem and more ease around others by providing them a less obvious option for their vision needs.
While teens are generally provided with contact lenses, children under 13 are usually not offered the option of lenses, due to the fact that eye care providers and parents don't believe that children are ready to take care of them properly. In truth, with the right instruction, children as young as eight are just as competent at using and caring for contacts and they should be given the choice.
Generally before your child purchases lenses you will want to speak to your eye care practitioner to go over any possible issues your child might have. Our Richmond optometry practice can help you in determining the right plan for your teenager's contacts.
If your child or teenager is in need of vision correction, why not try lenses? Through just a simple contact lens, you can really change your teen's life. With the large selection of contact lenses available, you and your optometrist can work with your child to figure out what type of lens best fits their character and style of life.