TEENAGERS & CONTACTS

AM I OLD ENOUGH FOR CONTACTS?

Your mom thinks you're not old enough for contact lenses?

Would she believe that if your doctor told her otherwise?? Many parents are surprised to learn that their child is indeed old enough for contacts. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor and your parents. A doctor will analyze each case individually and decide on the best form of vision correction.

One of our contact lens experts at the CLC is Dr. Barry Weiner, an optometrist in Phoenix, MD. Not only is he a CLC member, he is also the past chairman of the American Optometric Association's contact lens section. Dr Weiner has had many patients in their teens and early teens ask him about contact lenses: How old is old enough?

His response?
"There are no hard and fast rules here-- So much depends on the responsibility level of the young patient."

I've fit a child as young as 8. Granted, it was a very mature 8-year-old! There are 14- and 16-year-olds--in fact, even 20-year-olds--that I wouldn't fit with contacts, because I simply didn’t think they were ready."

It is important for an eyecare professional to assess a young patient's vision correction needs and to discuss his or her capabilities and maturity level with both the patient and the parents when considering contacts. Personal wear and care regimens may depend upon the type of contact prescribed, the nature of the vision problem being corrected, and the patient’s unique eye chemistry.

Any teenager or young adult that has begun to grasp an understanding of these issues:

is probably well on his/her way to expressing the maturity level that doctors and parents look for when prescribing contacts to younger people. All of these important subjects are covered on our website, and can be easily accessed by clicking on the subject. A basic understanding of these few points will help point you towards healthy, happy contact lens wear.

SOME ADVICE FOR TEENS CONSIDERING CONTACTS

With lens care now easier and more convenient than ever before, contact lens wear has become more of a possibility for teens, pre-teens, and even some children. Basic lens care includes cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing to keep lenses clean, comfortable and free from bacteria. The CLC urges parents and their children alike to follow specific instructions prescribed by their eyecare professionals. Below is a list of recommended tips for successful contact lens wear:


GENERAL SAFETY TIPS FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS

  • Visit a reputable eyecare professional for a complete eye examination every 12 months or more frequently if directed by your eyecare professional.

  • Use only contact lenses if they are FDA-approved and only if prescribed by a licensed eyecare practitioner. Ask your practitioner whether the FDA has cleared the product.

  • NEVER swap contact lens with another person.

  • Don't wear lenses longer than prescribed, nor when sleeping unless otherwise directed.

  • If eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and consult your doctor. Don't try to brave the irritation.

  • Replace contacts as recommended by your eyecare professional because they wear out over time. Throw away disposable lenses after recommended wearing period.



CLEANING AND SOLUTIONS SAFETY TIPS

  • CRD: Cleanse, Rinse, Disinfect your lenses after removal and before wearing them again. Enzyme cleaners and cleaning solutions alone can not substitute for disinfecting, although there are multipurpose products that can perform many of these functions if used as directed.

  • Wash and rinse your hands before handling your lenses. A non-perfumed hand soap is recommended.

  • Never use saliva on your lenses.

  • Never use non-sterile homemade saline, distilled water or tap water for any part of your lens care regimen.

  • Know your solution. Solutions cannot always be mixed. Use products recommended by your eyecare professional. Not all solutions can be used for all contact lenses.

  • Solutions can become contaminated during use. Do not let the bottle tip touch any surface including your contact lenses.

  • Clean, rinse and air-dry your lens case each time lenses are removed. Contact lens cases can be a source of bacterial growth.




MAKEUP & CONTACT LENSES: Go ahead and be beautiful!

Many people choose contact lenses for vision correction simply based on appearance factors alone -- they know they look better without their glasses. People wear makeup to enhance their appearance as well, but are afraid that cosmetics may interfere with their contact lens wear.

Not to worry! Follow these simple guidelines below, and you can rest assured that you are improving your appearance in both ways, and in a safe and healthy manner.

  • Apply cosmetics after inserting lenses
  • Remove lenses before removing makeup, avoiding creamy or oily makeup removers
  • Always wash hands with a mild soap before handling your lenses
  • Use cosmetics labeled "hypoallergenic," "for contact lens wearers," or "for sensitive eyes"
  • Avoid unknown brands
  • Use water-soluble cosmetics, not oil or creamy brands
  • Use softer pencil eyeliners to avoid flaking
  • Use water-based or "water-resistant" mascara (not "waterproof")
  • Stick to pressed powder eyeshadow, not loose powder products
  • Make sure to apply any aerosol products --hairspray, cologne, and deodorant--before inserting lenses
  • Avoid sharing or swapping cosmetics or applicator brushes
  • Replace all makeup products & brushes every three months
  • Avoid heat exposure to cosmetics
  • Never apply eye makeup when you are in motion
  • Never use water or saliva to lubricate an applicator or thin cosmetics
  • Don't apply cosmetics if your eyes are red, swollen or infected
  • Always contact your eyecare professional with any questions or if any problems develop or persist



"I just want baby blues or gorgeous greens! Can’t I wear contacts to change my eye color?"

You don’t have to have vision problems to wear colored contacts. Some people simply want to change their eye color, as colored contacts can be great fun. It is essential, however, that contact lenses be professionally fitted. Contact lenses are a medical device regulated by the FDA.

Contact lenses that don't fit correctly or are used by more than one individual can cause serious eye infections, sometimes resulting in permanent eye damage or worse.

baby blue lenses heavenly hazel lenses vexing violet lenses

Colored contacts have become so popular that people have been trading lenses among themselves, particularly in the teenage population. This can be extremely unsanitary and dangerous.

NEVER SWAP, BORROW OR BUY SOMEONE ELSE’S LENSES.

Regardless of the type of vision correction you require, talk to your eyecare practitioner about the many options available for contact lens wearers. Below is a list of the types of colored lenses available.

Certain manufacturers have designed and produced patterned lenses that turn up in the fashion news quite frequently. See the list of manufacturers in the links section of our site for more information on this.

  • Opaque lenses -- Opaque lenses have a colored ring that covers the iris Light passes through a clear hole in the center (for the pupil) that you see through. Since this hole stays the same size and your pupil changes depending on the light source, it is important to ask your doctor if these are right for your visual needs. Many of the dramatic, patterned lenses are opaque.
  • Medium tints -- These lenses are used to enhance natural eye color, so they work best on lighter colored eyes. Sometimes it is difficult to notice the change if a tinted medium lens is placed on a darkly pigmented eye.
  • Soft colored lenses vs. RGP colored lenses -- Soft colored lenses cover the iris while RGPs tend to be slightly smaller than the iris making the color change less complete.
  • Tinted lenses for handling -- These lenses are slightly tinted so they are more visible if dropped or misplaced. The tint does not effect eye color or vision.

"My coach told me that contact lenses are better for playing sports. Why is this true?"

Sports enthusiasts are finding that contact lenses are more practical than glasses because they can offer improved depth perception and enhanced peripheral vision. Additionally, contact lenses won't steam up from perspiration and they don't smudge or get foggy if you go from cold to warm temperatures. To read more on this, and to learn how Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals would answer this question, click here.

If you are serious about contact lenses, review the rest of the information in our site, and then arrange for an appointment with your eyecare professional, one of the two types below.

Ophthalmologists (MD) are medical doctors (MD or osteopath) uniquely trained to diagnose and treat all disorders of the eye. An ophthalmologist is trained in all aspects of eyecare - medical, surgical and optical.

Optometrists (OD) are state-licensed health care professionals who diagnose and treat vision problems. They prescribe glasses, contact lenses, engage in low vision rehabilitation and vision therapy, and, in certain states, have the authority to prescribe ophthalmic medications and perform certain surgical procedures. They hold the doctor of optometry (OD) degree.

Note: Opticians are professionals in designing, finishing and dispensing eyeglasses, and cosmetic and therapeutic contact lenses, based on an eye doctor's prescription. Opticians may not actually prescribe contact lenses.

And keep in mind that any or all of our fact sheets or website pages can be printed out to show your parents.

Click Here To see our video showing how to insert and remove your contact lenses.