There is no exact age for when it is okay for children to wear contact lenses. Doctors and optometrists disagree over whether children under eight should wear contacts and children can vary in how mature they are. By asking yourself a few questions, you can more easily decide if your child is ready for contacts.

Is Your Child Responsible?

Contacts come with many responsibilities. They need to be taken out before going to bed. They need to be cleaned regularly. If your child is generally responsible and usually remembers to do the things that he or she is supposed to do, such as household chores, he or she may be ready for contacts.

Does Your Child Badly Want Them?

Make it clear that contacts are a responsibility and that your child may have to wear glasses again if he or she does not wear his or her contacts properly. Children who are highly motivated to wear contacts will be more likely to remember to do what is necessary to wear them properly. In the long-term, having your child wear contacts may be a great idea if he or she plans on wearing contacts in the long-term. Wearing contacts earlier in life will allow your child to build great habits that will lead to responsible contact wearing in the future.

Do You Know The Best Types Of Contacts?

Soft contacts of the past were prone to tearing if they were not handled carefully. Newer GP lenses are made from a material that helps the contact retain its shape, which makes it easier to clean. GP lenses are also less likely to tear. The greater convenience of this type of contact lens makes it easier for children to commit to caring for their contact lenses.

Do The Benefits Outweigh The Risks?

Contacts are a better option for both children and adults overall. They allow your child to see better and there is no gap in your child's peripheral vision. With glasses, there is a risk that they will fall off, become broken and possibly pierce your child. For many children, contacts also improve self-esteem. Kids are sometimes teased for their glasses and they will not stand out as much from peers when they don't have glasses. Your child can lose his or her contacts, but many contacts are disposable and your child can simply carry an extra set to replace the lost contacts with.