Contact lenses are thin optical devices placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision and are classified as regulated medical devices. People often seek them for functional reasons, such as improving peripheral vision during sports, or for aesthetic benefits by avoiding the use of glasses. Because contacts float on the tear film layer of the cornea, they offer a wider field of view and do not fog up like spectacles. Obtaining contact lenses is a medical process that requires a thorough eye examination and fitting by an eye care professional.
Age and Readiness: Determining Eligibility
There is no strict minimum age for wearing contact lenses. The decision is largely behavioral, focusing on a person’s ability to consistently follow the necessary care and wearing schedule.
Eye care professionals generally find that children and teens are ready to successfully transition to contact lens wear between the ages of 10 and 12 years old. A child who is responsible with household chores, homework, and personal grooming is generally considered a good candidate. Studies have shown that a high percentage of children in the 8 to 11 age range can manage daily disposable contact lenses with little to no parental assistance.
The ability to maintain proper hygiene is paramount for safe contact lens wear, as improper use significantly increases the risk of eye infections. Patients must be ready to consistently wash their hands before handling the lenses and adhere to the prescribed cleaning and replacement schedules. Responsibility for these daily steps is more important than a chronological age, and a patient who requires constant reminders for self-care may not be ready yet.
Necessary Eye Health Checks and Vision Requirements
The physical suitability of the eye for contact lenses is determined through a specialized examination. The eye care professional must perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess ocular health and check for underlying conditions that could prohibit lens wear. Conditions like severe dry eye, chronic eye infections, or certain corneal issues may temporarily or permanently rule out contact lens use.
A proper assessment includes a tear film evaluation, which measures the quality and volume of the patient’s tears. Insufficient tear production can lead to discomfort, dryness, and potentially eye damage. The doctor will also examine the cornea’s health, looking for subtle damage using a slit lamp microscope.
The eye care specialist must issue a contact lens prescription, which is distinct from a prescription for glasses. This is because a contact lens rests directly on the eye, requiring measurements of the lens’s base curve and diameter, in addition to the refractive power. The prescription must specify the lens brand, material, and replacement schedule.
The Steps to Obtaining Contact Lenses
Once the eye examination confirms eligibility, the process moves to a specialized contact lens fitting appointment. The eye doctor uses a keratometer or a corneal topographer to take precise measurements of the corneal curvature. These measurements are used to select the base curve and diameter of the trial lenses, ensuring the lens will fit correctly on the eye’s surface.
The fitting involves placing trial lenses on the eyes so the eye care professional can observe their movement and alignment. The doctor assesses how the lens interacts with the eye, ensuring it is not too tight (which can starve the cornea of oxygen) or too loose (which causes discomfort and blurry vision).
New wearers receive Insertion and Removal (I&R) training to learn proper handling techniques. This hands-on session teaches the patient how to safely place the lens on the eye, remove it, and practice the necessary cleaning and storage routines. This instructional time is a safeguard against improper use and potential eye infection.
A follow-up appointment is scheduled after a trial period of wearing the lenses to check on the eye’s adjustment. The doctor will re-evaluate the lens fit, vision quality, and overall eye health. Only after this successful follow-up is a final, valid contact lens prescription issued, which generally expires after one year.