How to Help Your Child Stay Safe with Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be a great option for children and teens, offering clear vision, convenience for sports and activities, and increased confidence. However, because children may be less aware of proper hygiene and care routines, contact lens safety is especially important. With the right guidance and support from parents and an optometrist, contact lenses can be a safe and successful part of your child’s vision care.

Is Your Child Ready for Contact Lenses?

There is no specific age requirement for contact lenses. Readiness depends more on responsibility than age. Your child may be ready if they can:

• Follow daily hygiene routines consistently

• Handle small items carefully

• Take responsibility for cleaning and storing lenses

• Communicate discomfort or vision changes

An eye exam at Beach Cities Optometry can help determine whether contact lenses are appropriate for your child and which type will be safest.

Emphasize Clean Hands Every Time

Proper hand hygiene is the foundation of contact lens safety. Make sure your child understands that they should:

• Wash hands with soap and water before touching lenses

• Dry hands completely with a lint-free towel

• Avoid using hand sanitizer before handling lenses

Dirty hands can transfer bacteria to the lenses, increasing the risk of eye infections.

Follow the Prescribed Wearing Schedule

Children should always wear their contact lenses exactly as prescribed. This includes:

• Wearing lenses only for the recommended number of hours

• Never sleeping in lenses unless specifically approved

• Removing lenses immediately if the eyes feel irritated, red, or painful

Overwearing lenses is one of the most common causes of eye complications in children.

Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses

For many children, daily disposable contact lenses are the safest option. These lenses are:

• Thrown away after one use

• Less likely to harbor bacteria

• Easier for children to manage

Reusable lenses can also be safe when cared for properly, but they require consistent cleaning and storage routines that some children may find challenging.

Teach Proper Cleaning and Storage

If your child wears reusable lenses, help them develop a strict cleaning routine:

• Use only the recommended contact lens solution

• Never rinse lenses with tap water or saliva

• Clean and replace the lens case regularly

• Never “top off” old solution in the case

Water exposure is a major risk factor for serious eye infections.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Children’s eyes change as they grow, and contact lenses should be monitored closely. Regular eye exams allow your optometrist to:

• Check eye health and comfort

• Update prescriptions as needed

• Catch early signs of irritation or infection

• Reinforce safe lens habits

Consistent follow-up care is essential for long-term contact lens success.

Support Your Child’s Eye Health with Expert Care

Contact lenses can be a safe and effective option for children when worn responsibly and monitored by an experienced optometrist. By teaching proper hygiene, choosing the right lenses, and maintaining regular eye exams, parents can help their children enjoy clear vision while protecting their eye health. With guidance from Beach Cities Optometry, your child can build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

If you’re considering contact lenses for your child, schedule a contact lens exam at Beach Cities Optometry today. Our doctors will help determine the best option for your child’s vision, lifestyle, and eye health. Visit our office in Manhattan Beach, California, or call (310) 906-4426 to book an appointment.