A report from Eye Zone Magazine indicates that teens ages 13 to 17 showed a significant improvement in quality of life after getting fitted for contacts. Those surveyed said their vision was better, they were happier with their appearance and they were able to participate in extra-curricular activities more easily with contacts than with glasses. Before your teen makes the switch, take the time to make sure she’s ready to handle the responsibility of contacts.
Is Your Teen Ready?
Bausch + Lomb indicates that there’s no “perfect age” for contacts, but rather that you have to evaluate each teen individually to determine if they are ready. (2) As you think about your daughter, here’s a checklist you can use to decide if she’s responsible enough for contacts:
- Does she take care of personal hygiene, like brushing her teeth and putting on deodorant, daily without reminder?
- Does she remember her homework regularly?
- Does she follow directions without your help?
- Does she have a good reason for wanting them, other than to be “cool”?
- Does she have good eye health, free of dry eyes, infections or allergy problems?
- Does she value and take care of important belongings?
If you can answer “yes” to most of these questions, then your daughter is a probably a good candidate for contact lenses.
Consider the Cost
If your daughter is showing all of the signs of being ready for contacts, what’s holding you back? It might be fears about the cost of switching. With multiple lens options available for today’s kids, the cost can be quite low. All About Vision indicates that daily disposables can be as affordable as $1 a day. Finding a source for discount contacts like Vision Direct will make contacts an affordable option for your daughter.
Wearing Contacts Throughout the Day
The switch to contacts shouldn’t change your daughter’s day-to-day activities. In fact, many teens find that sports activities are actually easier with contacts than with glasses. However, she will need to remove the contacts before participating in water sports. A wayward drop could easily wash that investment out of her eyes. Also, instruct her to take them out when showering for the same reason.
Teens do need to be careful with makeup when wearing contacts. The New York Times indicates that a small speck of mascara or a tiny splash of hair spray in the eyes when the contacts are in can ruin the contact lens or irritate the eyes. You can make this less of a risk by choosing eye makeup and eye makeup remover designed for contact lens wearers.
You know your daughter is beautiful whether she wears glasses or makes the switch to contacts, this small change may be what she needs to help her feel beautiful as well. If you think she’s ready, then jump into the world of contacts to embrace the freedom of life without glasses.
