Contact Lens Safety for Kids: Tips for Parents
Are your kids begging you for contact lenses? While contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses for kids, it’s important to make sure they’re educated on proper hygiene and safety. Here are some tips for parents to ensure their children wear their contact lenses safely.
1. Consult with an optometrist
Before your child starts wearing contact lenses, make sure to visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get their eyes examined. They’ll be able to determine whether your child is a good candidate for contact lenses and prescribe the right ones for their eyes.
2. Teach proper hand washing
Proper hand washing is crucial before handling contact lenses. Teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel. This will prevent the lenses from getting contaminated with bacteria and potentially causing infections.
3. Follow the recommended wearing schedule
Make sure your child follows the recommended wearing schedule for their contact lenses. This includes the amount of time they wear the lenses each day and how often they replace them. Overwearing contact lenses can cause eye dryness, irritation, and even infections.
4. Use a contact lens solution
Your child should use a contact lens solution to clean and disinfect their lenses each time they take them out. It’s important to use the recommended solution for their specific type of lenses and to never reuse old solutions. This will help prevent eye infections and irritation.
5. Avoid swimming and showering with contacts
It’s best for your child to avoid swimming and showering with their contact lenses in. Water can cause bacteria and amoeba to grow on the lenses, which can lead to serious eye infections.
6. Watch for signs of discomfort or infection
Make sure your child knows the signs of discomfort or infection, such as redness, itching, burning, or vision changes. If they experience any of these symptoms, they should remove their lenses immediately and contact an optometrist.
By following these tips, you can ensure your child wears their contact lenses safely and comfortably. Happy lens-wearing!