Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Should Kids Get Contact Lenses?


1.       I truly believe that everyone that needs to have visual correction should own a  pair of glasses.  Glasses not only provide eye protection, but they could be used in place of contacts when a person is sick or not feeling well.  With today’s multitude of fashions and price ranges, there is no reason that a person can’t find a pair to suit these needs.  However, the fact still remains that many of us simply don’t like the way we look in glasses.  Contact lenses provide a simple, inexpensive alternative and in doing so can greatly improve our sense of self esteem, which is so very important to a young adult.
2.       Since contact lenses rest directly on the eye, the optical correction is closer to the retina as compared to glasses.  Optically, this produces many visual advantages.  For many, especially those patients with high corrections, the vision is simply clearer when they wear contacts versus glasses.  Peripheral vision is also much improved, which is paramount when playing sports.
3.       Speaking of sports, when was the last time you saw a professional athlete on TV wearing glasses?  Exactly.  Contact lenses stay put when you perspire and do not slide down your nose.  There are no constant adjustments to keep them on your face and they don’t fog up like glasses do.    All of these reasons should make contact lenses the first choice for those patients who are involved in sports.
4.       Today’s contacts are not your daddy’s contacts!   Yes, technology has improved to the point where we can correct for virtually any prescription, including those for astigmatism (or even bifocals for you “maturing” parents out there).   In the past, a patient would only be given one lens to last the entire year, where now it is common-place to use lenses on a single use basis!  What could be healthier and more convenient?  Wear them once and toss ‘em.  Done.
5.       It used to be that we didn’t fit kids in contacts until they were well in to their teenage years.    There is no medical reason for this and we now are routinely improving the lives of our patients that are as young as 8 years old.
6.       For these reasons,  contact lens should not just be thought of as a potential option, they should be considered as a necessity!

Have a good week and let me know what you think.......
      Dr Ganly