Can Children Wear Specialty Contact Lenses?

When most people think of contact lenses, they picture standard soft or rigid lenses designed for adults. But what about children? Many parents are surprised to learn that specialty contact lenses, including orthokeratology (Ortho-K), can be a safe and effective option for kids. In fact, these lenses may provide more than just clear vision - they can also help manage the progression of myopia (nearsightedness).

What Are Specialty Contact Lenses?

Specialty contact lenses go beyond traditional vision correction. They are designed to address specific conditions or needs, such as irregular corneas, keratoconus, or progressive myopia. For children, specialty lenses are typically recommended when glasses or standard contacts aren’t enough to provide the best vision or long-term eye health benefits.

Why Consider Specialty Lenses for Children?

Children’s eyes are still developing, and vision issues like myopia often worsen as they grow. Specialty lenses can:

• Improve quality of life: Active kids may prefer contact lenses over glasses for sports and everyday comfort.

• Support healthy vision development: Certain lenses, such as Ortho-K, do more than correct vision - they may slow the progression of myopia.

• Provide precise correction: Specialty lenses are customized to your child’s eyes, ensuring a more accurate fit and clearer vision.

The Benefits of Ortho-K for Kids

One of the most effective specialty lens options for children is orthokeratology, or Ortho-K. These are rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight while your child sleeps. They gently reshape the cornea so that, during the day, your child can see clearly without glasses or contacts.

The benefits of Ortho-K for children include:

• Daytime freedom from glasses or lenses: Perfect for kids who play sports or lead active lifestyles.

• Potential to slow myopia progression: Studies suggest Ortho-K can help manage the rate at which nearsightedness worsens, protecting long-term eye health.

• Non-surgical option: Unlike procedures such as LASIK, Ortho-K is safe for young eyes and fully reversible if discontinued.

Is Your Child a Candidate?

Not every child will be a candidate for specialty lenses like Ortho-K. Factors such as age, maturity, and specific eye health needs all play a role. A comprehensive eye exam with a trusted optometrist is the best way to determine if these lenses are the right choice.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Children can wear specialty contact lenses, and in many cases, they may even benefit more than adults. Options like Ortho-K not only provide clear, glasses-free vision but also help manage myopia progression, supporting long-term eye health.

At Eyecare Center of DuPage, we specialize in fitting children with specialty lenses, including Ortho-K. Schedule your child’s comprehensive eye exam to explore whether specialty contact lenses are the right solution for their vision and future. Visit our office in Westmont, Illinois, or call (630) 852-0102 to book an appointment today.