Requiring glasses is often difficult for a adolescent. Teenagers can balk at the very idea of being seen in eyeglasses and looking ''uncool''. As opposed to eyeglasses, children and teenagers that wear lenses feel a significant enhancement in their appearance, reports a recently released study. The research results demonstrate that starting at the age of eight, children may prefer being offered the option of lenses. The study was reported in the November issue of Eye & Contact Lens, published by the Contact Lens Association.
What is it about contacts that teenagers prefer? Teenagers are self-conscious, and they often feel more attractive and accepted if they don't have eye glasses being the focus of their appearance. Lenses can help young adults feel greater self-esteem and more comfort around others by giving them a less obvious alternative for vision correction.
While teens are generally fitted with contact lenses, children younger than 13 are typically not given the option of lenses, because optometrists and parents don't believe that children have the proper maturity to deal with them appropriately. In reality, with the right instruction, children as young as eight are as capable at using and caring for contact lenses and they should be offered the option.
Of course before your child tries contacts you will want to consult your eye care practitioner to go over any possible issues your child might have. Our Escondido optometry practice can help you to determine the right plan for your young adult's contact lenses.
If your pre-teen or adolescent is in need of vision correction, why not consider lenses? Through something as simple as a soft lens, you can make a world of a difference for your teen. With the large selection of lenses on the market, you and your optometrist can work with your child to determine what modality best fits their personality, maturity and lifestyle.
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