SMAC | Social Moms Around Columbus | Connecting Moms with the City

SMAC | Social Moms Around Columbus | Connecting Moms with the City: One of the questions I get asked the most from parents is "when is my child ready to try contact lenses?" That answer can vary. The average age that we fit most kids in my office is around 12 or 13. At this age their eye size and dexterity tend to make it easier for insertion and removal techniques. We generally talk to the parents to determine their child's level of responsibility, cleanliness, and readiness. Motivation on behalf of the child is key for successful contact lens wear. Kids who play sports or participate in certain activities may start even younger with contact lens wear. Contact lenses can make life so much easier. Athletes, dancers, and gymnasts love the freedom of participating in their sport without their glasses getting foggy or slipping. Kids report having more self -confidence when wearing contact lenses versus eyeglasses. The typical contact lens exam includes checking the current eyeglass prescription for changes, evaluating the health of the eyes, and then beginning the contact lens fitting process. In our office the doctor typically puts the diagnostic contact lenses into the patient's eyes and evaluates them for fit and visual quality. They are then taugh