Teens and contact lenses

Teens are subjected to the old statement of "four eyes," more often than any parent will admit to.  Contact lenses can be one of the simplest way to remedy this situation.  Bullying is a national problem, and as a parent of a teen; I can honestly say that fitting in is so important when it comes to our teens today. Contact lenses are continually being upgraded in the world of comfort and ease of care.  Now, the real question should be, "Is my teen mature enough to handle the necessary required maintenance of contact lenses?"

Many teens, and even tweens, are mature enough to handle a pair of contact lenses.  Most importantly, everyone involved should work together when it comes to teens and contact lenses.  This includes your eye care practitioner, parents, and a willing teen or tween.  For many the choice is easy, as contact lenses can open up a whole new world for many young people.  A pair of eye glasses will still be needed when it comes to situations where contact lenses are not appropriate.  

Daily disposable contacts are a great option for many teens.  These are soft contact lenses that are worn daily and tossed into a trashcan.  This is a great way to build the self esteem of a teen that is struggling with peers.  The downfall of this type of contact lens, can be the cost.  If cost is a factor, this may be a great way to encourage a teen to search for a part time job.  We all know that part time jobs do keep teens busy and often out of trouble.  

Soft contact lenses and gas permeable lenses, are options available to teens.  These types of lenses do require daily removal, as well as keeping up with a replacement schedule.  This is why it is so important for a teen to want to wear contact lenses, as well as the desire to take care of them.  Contact lenses do also take a time commitment, in regards to the hours in the day of the American teenager.  

Teens must have a prescription for contact lenses.  This means a parent or guardian, should make an appointment for the teen with a local, reputable eye care practitioner.  Many eye care practitioners will give your teen a trial pair of contact lenses. This way  your teen can experience the look and feel of what contact lenses have to offer.  

Two important things to remember when it comes to your teenager and contact lenses.  It is never okay for your teen to share contact lenses with another teen.  It is also not okay to sleep with contact lenses, unless your eye care practitioner has suggested this.  If astigmatism and a strong prescription are holding you and your teen back, be sure to check with your eye care practitioner, as contact lenses are now designed with these conditions in mind.  

Just this past week it was reported that more than 70,000 children and teens go to the emergency room each year for injuries and complications from medical devices.  One fourth of these visits were due to eye infections and the like; of teens that wear contact lenses. This is just a reminder of how important it is that your teen is mature enough to handle the responsibilities that accompany contact lenses, as well as a desire to take care of their eyes.  

Contact lenses can open up a new doorway of friendships, experiences, and a whole new outlook on life. With a little bit of common sense, supportive parents, as well as an understanding eye care practitioner; your teen can have a positive experience when it comes to contact lenses.  

Here in Austin, Minnesota, we are fortunate to have the Family Eye Care Center, which is located at 200 14th St NW.  The telephone number is (507)-437-3227.  Most importantly, support your teen and let them know that if someone is calling them "four eyes," they need to speak up.  Eye glasses or contact lenses, are not an excuse for bullying and should never be acceptable to any of us.  On another note, eye glasses have came a long ways and can be a fashion statement in themselves!