Are Contact Lenses Safe for Children or Teens?

At Radiant Optometry in Bellflower, CA, one of the most common questions parents ask us is: “Are contact lenses safe for my child?” The short answer—yes, absolutely! With the right care, guidance, and hygiene practices, contact lenses can be both safe and life‐changing for children and teens.

Why Consider Contacts for Kids?

There’s more to contact lenses than just a glasses-free look. Many younger wearers love the freedom contacts provide for sports, dance, and other activities where glasses can get in the way. Plus, contact lenses can help boost confidence—important for kids navigating middle and high school social life.

Some specialized contacts can even manage nearsightedness progression (myopia control), which helps protect your child’s long-term eye health.

The Real Key: Responsibility

Age isn’t the most important factor—maturity is. Most kids around 10 to 12 years old can learn to insert, remove, and clean their lenses responsibly. If your child can handle daily hygiene tasks like brushing teeth or keeping track of personal belongings, they’re likely ready!

At Radiant Optometry, our eye doctors carefully assess each child’s readiness before recommending contact lenses. We also teach them how to care for their lenses through step-by-step training, so parents can feel completely confident.

Benefits of Starting Young

• Improved vision for sports and school work

• Boosted self-esteem—no more fogged-up glasses!

• Early introduction to healthy vision habitsPotential for myopia control options

Common Questions Parents Ask

Q: What if my child loses or tears a lens?
No need to panic! Our office offers replacement options and guidance on handling mishaps.

Q: Are daily contacts better for children?
In many cases, yes. Daily disposable lenses are hygienic and low-maintenance—perfect for busy families.

Q: Can teens sleep in their contacts?
We don’t recommend it unless prescribed by your eye doctor. Good lens hygiene keeps eyes healthy and comfortable.

At Radiant Optometry in Bellflower, CA, we love helping young patients see clearly, safely, and confidently. If your child is curious about contacts, schedule an eye exam with our friendly team today. We’ll make vision care simple, educational, and—dare we say—fun!