Can Children Wear Specialty Contact Lenses?

For many parents, the idea of their child wearing contact lenses may bring up questions about safety, comfort, and necessity. While glasses remain a popular option, advancements in eye care have made specialty contact lenses a valuable solution for children with specific vision needs. Whether it’s managing nearsightedness or addressing unique eye conditions, specialty contact lenses can play an important role in supporting a child’s visual development.
 

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses are designed to go beyond traditional vision correction. They include options such as:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea to control myopia (nearsightedness).
• Scleral Lenses: Larger lenses that vault over the cornea, providing comfort and vision correction for irregular corneas.
• Multifocal Contact Lenses: Lenses that help slow the progression of myopia in children.

These lenses are tailored to address conditions that standard soft contacts or glasses may not fully manage.
 

Are Specialty Lenses Safe for Children?

When prescribed and fitted by an experienced optometrist, specialty contact lenses are safe for children. Many studies have shown that kids as young as 7 or 8 years old can successfully adapt to wearing contacts with proper guidance and parental supervision. The key factors are maintaining good hygiene and following the recommended wear schedule.
 

Benefits of Specialty Lenses for Kids

• Myopia Management: Ortho-K and multifocal lenses can slow the progression of nearsightedness, which is becoming increasingly common in children.
• Improved Comfort and Vision: Scleral lenses can provide clear, comfortable vision for children with corneal irregularities.
• Active Lifestyle: Contact lenses eliminate the worry of glasses slipping or breaking during sports and activities.

Is Your Child a Candidate?

Not every child will be a good candidate for specialty contact lenses. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine if this is the right option. Factors like age, maturity, eye health, and specific vision needs all play a role in deciding whether specialty contacts are a safe and effective choice.
 

Ready to Learn More?

Specialty contact lenses can be a life-changing solution for children with unique vision needs, especially for managing myopia or irregular corneas. With the right care and professional guidance, kids can safely benefit from clearer vision and greater freedom.
 

Schedule an eye exam at Eye Society to see if specialty contact lenses are the right fit for your child. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (832) 582-7216 today.