What are the most popular ages for contact lenses?
Answered by Richard E. Gans, M. D.
Contact lenses are popular at many different ages. Almost anyone who needs glasses could potentially see almost as well with contact lenses. Contact lenses, however, require a great deal of care in order to be worn safely. A certain degree of maturity and dexterity are necessary to insert, remove and clean lenses. In my private practice, I usually do not encourage contact lenses for patients under the age of 14. That is not to say that some younger individuals could do well with contact lenses -- some do, but before 14, we find that all too often, too many lenses get torn, lost, or mistreated for most parent's wishes (or budgets).
Contact lenses can correct a wide variety of visual problems, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Because of this, we have many patients wearing contact lenses in all age groups.
PLEASE NOTE: The information contained on this system is not intended to supplant individual professional consultation, but is offered as a community education service. Advice on individual problems should be obtained directly from a professional.
Copyright, 1994. Richard E. Gans, M.D.
Last Modified: August 23, 1996