When your child does not have good vision, the eye doctor may suggest they get prescription lenses. These are available as contact lenses or eyeglasses. The choice of vision correction depends on different factors, and there are positives and negatives to both types of prescription lenses.

How you make the right choice for your child’s vision correction will determine their comfort. When your child is comfortable with their choice, they can learn and achieve their milestones. 

Here is a look at choosing vision correction for kids. Remember, it largely depends on your kid’s choice. But sometimes, they may not have a choice.

Preference

Some kids may enjoy eyeglasses because they can play around with the frames. They can make a fashion statement by choosing different shapes and colors. Others will fiddle around with their eyeglasses. They may lose them, break them, or not wear them at all. When this happens, many parents wonder whether it is time to get contact lenses instead.

Their eyes can physically tolerate contact lenses at a young age. Just ensure you check with your pediatric eye doctor first.

Age

Studies show that children between eight to 11 years have no trouble wearing and removing contacts. Children at this age can be responsible and take care of their contact lenses without needing help from their parents. Hence, you can get them contact lenses if they prefer those. However, ensure that your child is mature enough to care for them.

You may feel safer fitting your younger children with eyeglasses. They can effortlessly wear them and take them off. They also do not touch the child’s eyes, so they will not experience irritation when they need to rub their eyes or cry.

Activities

Vision correction for your kids may also depend on their activities. Active children may prefer to get contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. Contact lenses will move with their eye. Thus, they can see what is in their peripheral vision. Nothing is blocking their sight or making it blurry. They are also not weighty, and they do not fog up. Swimmers also prefer contact lenses since they can wear them with their swimming goggles.

Allergies

Allergies may cause you to prefer eyeglasses for your child rather than contact lenses. Since eyeglasses do not come into direct contact with the eyes, they are less likely to irritate. But if your child is suffering from dry eyes, you have a variety of specialty lenses you can choose from.

Self-esteem

Contact lenses can also boost your child’s self-esteem. Sometimes, bullies can target your child for wearing eyeglasses. However, they may also turn the opportunity of wearing glasses to favor them. They can use it to face their bullies and become confident.

Conclusion

Many more factors will help you determine the ideal vision correction for your child. Remember, the decision is not permanent. It is okay if they want to change back to eyeglasses or contact lenses. Work with what works best at a particular time.

For more information on the right vision correction for kids, visit Raleigh Eye Center at our Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, Henderson, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia, offices. Call (919) 876-2427, (919) 899-2472 or (252) 492-8021 to schedule an appointment today.