For many kids, getting glasses is the first step toward clearer sight and a milestone worth celebrating. Nonetheless, once a child is used to glasses, they may ask about contact lenses as they grow. Whether they're eager to leave their glasses behind for sports, style or comfort, the idea might feel exciting — and maybe even a little daunting — for parents. In the sections below, you'll find helpful information to figure out if your child is ready for contact lenses.
Signs Your Child Might Be Ready for Contacts
Some children show maturity and responsibility early, while others take more time. Readiness depends less on age and more on everyday habits that reflect independence and care.
Maturity Readiness Checklist
Here are some signs your child might be ready for contact lenses:
· Handles hygiene independently: A child who washes their hands regularly, brushes their teeth without being reminded and keeps their belongings clean is more likely to handle contact lenses safely.
· Follows multistep instructions: Inserting, removing and caring for lenses requires patience and following multistep routines correctly.
· Is self-motivated: If your child is eager to try contacts for sports, comfort or self-confidence, that motivation can help them stay diligent with lens care.
These same markers are also helpful for helping kids wear glasses for the first time and gauging how well they handle responsibility overall.
Hygiene Is Critical
Poor hygiene dramatically increases the risk of eye infections, including severe conditions like corneal ulcers. Before touching their eyes or lenses, children should always wash their hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel.
They should also learn these basics early on:
· Proper storage: Lenses must be stored properly in clean cases or discarded daily if using disposables.
· Timely replacement: Whether daily disposables or rewearable lenses, following the replacement schedule is key to healthy eyes.
· No sleeping with lenses on: Kids should never sleep in lenses unless approved by an ophthalmologist. Eye care professionals typically will not prescribe lenses that can be worn during sleep or overnight for children or teens to reduce infection risks.
· No sharing: Kids should never share lenses with other people.
These routines are essential for contacts.
Parental Supervision Matters
Even responsible kids need oversight, especially during the first few months. Parents should create a consistent schedule for inserting, removing and cleaning lenses, helping children build confidence through repetition. For roughly the first three to six months, watch for skipped steps or discomfort. Step in to remind kids if they overlook hygiene or storage.
What Age to Start Using Contacts?
There is no single age at which to start using contacts. Instead, it depends on physical development, emotional maturity and family support.
General Age Guidance
Most children are ready to wear contact lenses between 10 and 14. It's not unusual for some to begin earlier, especially if they're highly responsible or have specific eye health needs. Eye doctors may even prescribe lenses to younger children for myopia control — slowing down nearsightedness progression — but only with hands-on parental help.
Can an 8-Year-Old Wear Contact Lenses?
Yes, some 8-year-olds do wear contacts. It's rare, but not unheard of, particularly for kids involved in sports or kids with strong motivation and parental supervision. If you've already helped your child learn to wear glasses, this experience often serves as a trial run for learning personal care habits before transitioning to contacts.
Glasses vs. Contacts for Kids
Both glasses and contacts have advantages. Glasses are more manageable for beginners — they require minimal upkeep and are simple to manage during a busy school day. For sports and outdoor play, though, contacts provide stability, a wider field of vision and freedom from slipping frames.
Contacts may also support confidence, especially for children who feel self-conscious in glasses. However, glasses remain an important backup. Parents should keep a pair ready for screen time, studying or as an alternative when their kids' eyes need rest from lenses. Parents with toddlers wearing glasses for the first time should not explore contacts until their child's sense of responsibility grows.
Starter Fittings and Lens Options for Kid Contact Lenses
Proper fitting and evaluation by an eye care professional are essential before your child starts wearing contact lenses.
Why Starter Fittings Matter
During a starter fitting, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will:
· Evaluate corneal health and tear film: The eye doctor will assess the cornea's curvature, tear film stability and any signs of dryness or allergies to help rule out conditions that could interfere with contact lens use.
· Provide insertion and removal training: First-time wearers learn insertion and removal directly from a trained specialist. These step-by-step lessons build confidence and reduce the chance of errors.
· Provide safety instruction: Doctors explain red flags like redness or discomfort and teach wearers when to remove lenses and call for help.
Daily Disposables: The Easiest First Step
For most new wearers, daily disposable lenses are the easiest and healthiest way to begin. Kids wear a fresh pair each morning and throw them away at night — no cleaning, solution or storage case to manage. This simplicity significantly reduces the risk of infections linked to poor hygiene. Disposable lenses also help parents feel more comfortable supervising early use since every day begins with a clean, sterile lens.
Other Options as Advised by Your Eye Doctor
Some children may benefit from other lens types based on their prescription or eye condition:
· Monthly or biweekly lenses: These reusable lenses are more cost-effective long-term, but require strict cleaning and storage routines.
· Toric lenses for astigmatism: If your child has astigmatism — an irregularly shaped cornea — toric lenses provide more precise vision correction.
· Myopia management lenses: These special lenses aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness.
Comfort Tips and Dry Eye Care for Young Wearers
Once your child starts wearing contacts, early comfort and consistency make all the difference. Here are a few tips for kids with glasses and contacts that help new users ease into the experience:
· Start slow: Begin with just a couple of hours a day and gradually increase the time based on comfort and feedback.
· Keep backup glasses ready: Every child wearing contacts should still have updated glasses. These are crucial for breaks, nighttime or if irritation occurs.
· Stick to the replacement schedule: Whether it's a daily or reusable lens, wearing beyond the recommended period can lead to discomfort or eye health issues.
Dry Eye Care Basics
Dry eyes can make lenses feel scratchy or blurry. Encourage regular hydration and screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. If mild dryness persists, lubricating drops recommended by an eye doctor can help restore comfort.
Safety Red Flags
Knowing what to watch for prevents minor issues from turning serious. Stop lens wear and contact your eye doctor promptly if your child experiences:
· Redness or swelling around the eyes
· Pain or light sensitivity
· Blurred or hazy vision
· Unusual tearing or discharge
These symptoms may indicate infection or poor fit and need prompt professional attention.
Ready to See if Your Child Is a Candidate?
Deciding whether your child is ready for contact lenses comes down to more than age — it's about hygiene habits, personal motivation, family support and professional guidance. Daily disposables offer a low-risk introduction, and many kids between 10 and 14 thrive with contact lenses, especially when they have parental supervision and a backup pair of glasses.
At Eyemart Express, we help families make the right call comfortably, confidently and conveniently. We support every stage of your child's eyewear journey, from their first exam to fitting. Our friendly eyewear experts provide personal attention and real education without overwhelming anyone in the room. Whether you're getting a child used to glasses or selecting kid contact lenses, our team is ready with guidance on hygiene routines and lens choices.
Call your local Eyemart Express or book an appointment online for a contact lens evaluation. Be sure to bring your child's current glasses and a list of their daily activities so we can tailor a vision solution that fits your family.
