Ask An Expert

Sun Herald

Sunday November 11, 2007

Eliza Compton

Shirley Loh

national professional services manager, Optometrists

Association Australia

How old do children have to be before they can be fitted with contact lenses?

Technically, there is no minimum age. In fact, infants can be fitted with specialised contact lenses if they have unusual problems. For the majority of people who need visual correction, contact lenses can be worn as soon as they need to perform detailed tasks such as playing sport, copying from the blackboard or using computers. In general, a child of at least 12 may have the maturity to understand the importance of contact lenses and the consequences if they don't do what their optometrist says.

There are benefits to contact lenses. During growth spurts, a child's prescription can change every few months. Contact lens prescriptions can simply be updated, rather than buying new spectacles every time. Also, disposable contacts can be worn for sport or under goggles for swimming, and they suit children who are too embarrassed to wear their glasses at school.

On the downside, the child has to monitor if their eyes hurt or they can't see properly. Even then, children may be reluctant to tell an adult because they might get into trouble.

Here are some tips for helping your child manage their contacts: book a professional fitting and training session; don't buy novelty lenses; don't use water, saliva or soap to wash lenses, only use the solution recommended; wash your hands before touching the lenses - and remind them to take their glasses to school, just in case.

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© 2007 Sun Herald

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