Can Kids Wear Contact Lenses Safely?

At Merivale Vision Care, we frequently hear from parents who wonder: Can kids wear contact lenses safely? We understand the concerns—contacts are medical devices directly interacting with your child’s eyes. 

In this post, we’ll unpack the science, review safety guidelines, and share practical advice so families can make informed decisions together.

The Growing Popularity of Kids in Contacts

‍Contact lens wear among children and teens has significantly increased in recent years. With advances in lens materials, better hygiene products, and lenses designed specifically for younger eyes, contacts are no longer reserved for adults. 

Many children, particularly active ones involved in sports or self-conscious about eyeglasses, opt for contact lenses; we support that safely.

Safety Standards & FDA Approval

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada have approved certain contact lenses for children as young as eight or nine, provided their eye doctor deems them appropriate. 

These guidelines are based on clinical trials assessing children’s ability to properly handle, use, and care for lenses.

At Merivale Vision Care, we diligently follow these standards. Before recommending lenses, we evaluate your child’s eye health, maturity level, and physical ability to manage contact lens hygiene. 

This includes ensuring they can handle the lenses without poking the eye and can follow instructions exactly.

Assessing Your Child’s Readiness

Whether your child is ready is not just about age. We consider several factors:

• Manual dexterity: Can they handle small lenses without damaging them?
• Responsibility: Will they follow the cleaning and wear schedule?
• Motivation: Are they truly interested in wearing contacts, or is it a fleeting desire?
• Parental supervision: Will you help establish and enforce a lens care routine?

If we determine your child meets these criteria, they’re usually a good candidate for contact lenses.

Types of Lenses for Kids

There are several lens options, and we help families choose what’s best:

We recommend daily disposable soft lenses as the safest and simplest first option. However, if your child has specific needs, like astigmatism or complications from glasses, we’ll guide you through alternative lens types like RGP or ortho‑k.

Hygiene and Infection Management

Contact lens-related infections can happen, but are rare, especially when good hygiene habits are in place. We extensively educate families about critical practices:

1. Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
2. Use proper cleaning solutions, never water or homemade mixtures.
3. Clean and air–dry the lens case; replace it every three months.
4. Follow the wear schedule, avoiding overnight or extended wear unless prescribed.
5. Replace lenses as instructed, avoiding overuse.
6. Avoid swimming or showering with lenses to prevent eye infections.
7. Never share lenses, cases, or solutions.
8. Know the signs of trouble—redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge—and seek immediate help.

We reinforce these through in‑office teaching, follow‑up visits, and troubleshooting until safe habits are second nature.

Regular Checkups Are a Must

Even the most responsible child and family need monitoring. We recommend:

• Initial follow‑ups after first wear (usually 1–2 weeks)
• Quarterly visits for children new to lenses to assess fit, comfort, and eye health
• Biannual or annual checkups, once the child settles into a routine, use

These visits are essential to catch early signs of issues, like corneal dryness, allergy responses, or subtle infections, and to track vision changes as your child grows.

Addressing Common Concerns

Won’t contact lenses damage developing eyes?

Studies consistently show that contact lenses are safe for children when worn properly. A 2018 eye health study found no increased risk of vision problems over 3 years in 8–11‑year‑olds wearing daily contacts —we rely on and follow research like this to inform our practice.

Are kids responsible enough?

Yes—with motivation and support, most children quickly learn the routine. Our staff guides them step by step—modelling lens handling, cleaning techniques, daily reminders, and problem‑solving strategies until children and parents feel confident.

What about the cost?

Daily disposables can cost more over time, but parents often find them worth it for convenience and safety. We help families choose the most cost‑effective options, including trial packs, store brands, or two‑week lenses if preferred.

Lifestyle Advantages

Contacts offer real benefits:

• Sports and activity: No glasses fogging or falling off during sports or dance.
• Self‑confidence: No “nerd” stigma; kids often feel more comfortable socially.
• Uninterrupted vision: Power remains consistent across the visual field—no frames disrupting peripheral sight.
• Freedom to decorate: Fun colored lenses (in a responsible, prescribed manner) can be exciting for older children.

Useful Tips for Parents

1. Role‑model hygiene: Demonstrate and supervise early on.
2. Set consistent routines: Morning and bedtime lens care check‑ins.
3. Use visual reminders: Signs on the mirror or checklist apps can be helpful.
4. Teach backup readiness: Carry glasses if lens wear becomes uncomfortable.
5. Keep supplies handy: Have spare lenses, solutions, and cases.
6. Reinforce red‑flag symptoms: Encourage your child to speak up about irritation or discomfort.

When Contacts Might Not Be Right

There are situations where glasses or other solutions work better:

• Children under eight generally aren’t ready for lens responsibility.
• Medical contraindications—like chronic allergies, frequent eye infections, or neurological disorders—may make lenses less advisable.
• In families with challenging routines, glasses may be the safer daily option.

We take a personalized approach: If lenses don’t suit your child, we’re proud to help find the best alternatives.

In Summary

Can kids wear contact lenses safely? Absolutely—as long as we follow recommended guidelines, choose the right lens type, and support our child through proper training and follow‑up care. 

With encouragement, supervision, and regular checkups, contact lenses can be a healthy, empowering, and convenient choice for many children.

At Merivale Vision Care, we’re committed to providing a supportive pathway—from your first contact lens consultation through successful adaptation to confident long‐term use. 

If you’re curious whether your child is a good candidate, we’d be happy to set up a personalized assessment. Let’s navigate this journey together. Contact us today to get started.