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Why Contact Lenses Are a Great Option for Teens

No teen likes to be caught in something out of style, and in the case of many teenagers, eyeglasses often feel that way. Young adults may cringe at the thought of being seen in glasses and looking ''uncool''. As opposed to glasses, kids and teens that wear lenses report a significant improvement in their looks, says a recently published study. The study report indicates that starting at the age of eight, pre-teens should be offered the option of contact lenses. Researchers published the study in the November issue of Eye & Contact Lens, the official publication of the Contact Lens Association.

What is it about contact lenses that teenagers prefer? Adolescents are easily embarrassed, and they generally feel more attractive and accepted if they're not wearing eyeglasses. Lenses may help young adults have a sense of greater self-esteem and more comfort around others by giving them a less visible alternative for vision correction.

Although teens are frequently provided with contact lenses, children under thirteen are typically not offered the option of lenses, since eye care practitioners or parents don't think that children are ready to deal with them sufficiently. However, with proper instruction, even at age eight, children are just as competent at using and caring for contact lenses and they should be given the choice.

Of course before your child tries lenses you will want to speak to your optometrist to go over any potential issues your child might encounter. Our Austin optometry practice will be glad to assist you in determining the right prescription for your teen's contacts.

If your child or adolescent needs vision correction, why not try contact lenses? Through something as simple as a soft lens, you can make a world of a difference for your teen. With the wide assortment of lenses on the market, you and your eye care practitioner can work with your child to determine what type of lens is most suitable for their character and style of life.