When is the proper age for kids to begin wearing contact lenses? The answer is that even infants can and do wear contact lenses. Practically speaking, most kids are mature enough by age 8 to care for contacts, because they realize that it is a privilege to have their parents trust them with such an adult responsibility. Even kids who don’t clean their rooms do just fine with contacts. They are usually so appreciative that they start helping more around the house. (Of course, this is the perfect time to take advantage of this new-found sense of responsibility, so now’s the time to get those gutters cleaned and the trash taken out and the lawn mowed!)
For many kids, their self-esteem increases when they begin wearing contact lenses. They feel more confidence in being accepted by their peers. Often they become less shy and begin developing better social skills.
Aside from the important emotional reasons for wearing contact lenses, there are therapeutic reasons for kids to wear contacts, as well. Numerous studies have shown that wearing semi-rigid oxygen permeable lenses slows down the progression of nearsightedness in children. This will benefit them later on in life.
