Teenagers who are self-conscious about how they look (i.e. all of them) often want to replace their eyeglasses for contact lenses. But it turns out there are more than just cosmetic reasons for teens to make the switch.
The most important benefit may be that contact lenses greatly enhance a young person’s self esteem. The Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment (ACHIEVE) study investigated the psychological effect wearing contact lenses had on children and young teenagers over a period of three years. The research concluded contact lens wearers reported an improvement in their physical appearance, acceptance among friends and athletic ability. Contacts even increased confidence in academic performance for some kids.
There are some safety benefits for contact lens-wearing teens as well. Student athletes not only enjoy better vision, but also have more options for protective eyewear. And wearing sunglasses becomes easier to wear with contact lenses which protect young eyes against damaging UV radiation.
Many parents wonder what age is best for kids to start wearing contacts, and eye care professionals begin to encourage wear between ages 11 to 14, but it’s really just a matter of when the teen is mature enough to wear and care for their lenses properly. Daily disposable lenses have greatly decreased the amount of attention wearing contacts requires. A great option are Proclear 1 day contact lenses.
If you still have questions, here is a guide that goes over everything you might need to know about teenagers and contact lenses.