Contact lenses are small, thin medical devices placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. There is no worldwide legal or medical minimum age that dictates when a person can begin wearing contacts. Instead, the decision is an individualized assessment focusing on physical readiness and, more importantly, the capacity to handle the responsibilities that come with lens care. The earliest age often discussed for successful wear, provided the child is highly motivated, is around eight years old, but the ultimate determination rests with the eye care professional and the family.
Maturity and Responsibility Factors
The ability to consistently follow multi-step instructions is the most important non-medical factor determining readiness for contact lenses. Use requires a strict regimen of insertion, removal, and cleaning, demanding self-discipline and reliability. Parents can evaluate their child’s behavior by observing if they manage other routine tasks independently, such as completing homework, brushing their teeth, or keeping their glasses in good condition without constant reminders.
A child must demonstrate a willingness and ability to touch their own eyes, which is necessary for safely putting in and taking out the lenses. The procedure requires a steady hand and a lack of squeamishness to manipulate the eyelids and place the lens directly onto the corneal surface. Children who are motivated to wear contacts, perhaps for sports or cosmetic reasons, often show greater compliance with the demanding care schedule.
The responsibility extends beyond daily handling to recognizing when a problem exists, such as irritation, pain, or excessive redness. The wearer must be able to articulate these symptoms promptly to a parent or guardian. Delaying removal and consultation can lead to serious eye complications. This self-awareness and communication skill is a fundamental indicator of the behavioral readiness required for safe contact lens use.
Physical and Clinical Readiness
Before any lenses can be worn, a comprehensive eye examination is necessary to assess the overall health of the eye and determine the correct prescription. The eye care professional (ECP) conducts a contact lens fitting, which is distinct from a standard glasses prescription, because the lens is a medical device that sits directly on the eye. This process involves measuring the curvature of the cornea to ensure the lens rests properly and covers the area without causing undue pressure or movement.
The ECP also assesses tear production levels, as adequate tear film is necessary to keep the lenses lubricated and the eye comfortable throughout the wearing period. The prescription must be stable, meaning the refractive error is not changing rapidly, although contact lenses are sometimes prescribed for medical reasons like myopia management. The ECP determines the most appropriate lens type, such as a daily disposable, which is often preferred for younger wearers due to reduced cleaning requirements and lower infection risk.
Essential Hygiene and Safety Practices
Maintaining strict hygiene is essential for all contact lens wearers, as poor habits increase the risk of eye infections, including the serious condition known as microbial keratitis. Hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water and dried completely with a clean, lint-free towel before touching the lenses or eyes. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and pathogens from the fingers to the lens surface.
For reusable lenses, a “rub and rinse” method must be used, where the lens is gently rubbed in the palm with fresh disinfecting solution for the time specified by the manufacturer. The lens storage case must also be cleaned by rinsing with sterile solution—never tap water—and allowed to air-dry upside down with the caps off after each use. Contact lens cases should be replaced at least once every three months, because biofilms of microorganisms can accumulate inside the plastic.
Contact lenses must never be exposed to tap water, which is not sterile and can harbor microorganisms that cause severe eye infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis. Lenses should be removed before swimming, showering, or using a hot tub. Unless prescribed for overnight wear, lenses must be removed before sleep, as sleeping in contacts reduces the cornea’s oxygen supply and increases the risk of infection. Wearers should immediately remove the lenses and consult their eye care professional if they experience persistent redness, blurred vision, or pain.