When it comes to managing your child’s progressive myopia, choosing the right vision correction is an important decision. Glasses and contact lenses each have their own unique benefits, but how do you know which option is best for your child’s needs, lifestyle, and comfort? The choice can have a significant impact on your child’s vision and confidence, so it’s worth exploring all options.
At Conestoga Eye, we specialize in providing compassionate, expert eye care for families in Hershey and Lancaster, PA. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of managing your child’s myopia, offering tailored solutions and personalized care. Whether you’re considering glasses or contact lenses, we're committed to helping your child enjoy clear vision and a thriving future. Schedule an appointment with our skilled eye care professionals today!
Now, let's take a closer look at the differences between glasses and contact lenses to help you make the most informed decision for your child.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a condition where the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision, although near vision remains sharp. While genetics play a significant role in myopia, environmental factors like excessive screen time or lack of outdoor activities can also contribute to its development.
Over time, untreated or poorly managed myopia may progress and lead to a higher risk of serious eye problems, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma later in life. That’s why early intervention and proper management can make a world of difference.
The information in this article is meant for patients in need of “standard” myopia correction. Should your child have a complex prescription or faster-progressing myopia, there are other considerations and options to learn more about.
Glasses for Kids with Myopia
Many parents find glasses to be a fantastic option for kids with myopia because of their ease of use and safety. First and foremost, unlike contact lenses, glasses are easy to put on and take off. There’s no need for a daily cleaning routine, reducing the risk of infection.
Additionally, glasses act as a barrier, shielding your child’s eyes from dust and dirt, and with the right lens coatings, they can even reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.
While glasses are practical, there are some potential challenges parents and their children may run into. Some examples include:
- Some children might feel self-conscious about wearing glasses, especially during their first few weeks
- Glasses may get in the way during sports or other physical play, or they might break during rougher activities.
- Depending on your child’s age and general responsibility level, keeping their glasses safe can sometimes be a challenge.
Choosing the Right Glasses
When selecting glasses for your child, consider the following:
- Frames: Look for lightweight and durable materials, like polycarbonate, which are more resilient against drops and impacts.
- Lens Materials: Polycarbonate lenses are our primary choice for kids since they’re shatter-resistant and lightweight.
- Coatings: Anti-glare and blue-light-blocking coatings can reduce eye strain, especially for children who spend a lot of time looking at screens, whether for school or fun.
Contact Lenses for Kids with Myopia
For active kids or those seeking an alternative to glasses, contact lenses can offer flexibility and unique advantages. For example, unlike glasses, contacts are discreet, so many kids feel more confident wearing them instead of glasses. Contacts also sit directly on the eye, offering a wider field of clear vision—making them great for sports and outdoor play.
That said, contact lenses come with their own set of challenges:
- Poor cleaning and storage practices can lead to infections, making it important for kids to follow a strict hygiene routine.
- It can take some practice for children to get comfortable with putting in and taking out their lenses. Parental supervision may be needed at first.
- Depending on the type, contact lenses can be more expensive than glasses over time.
At Conestoga Eye, children must be able to insert and remove their lenses on their own after training with our team. While every child is different, our recommended age to start wearing contact is 12/13.
Choosing the Right Contact Lenses
There are a number of different kinds of contact lenses, but for most kids, the main factor to consider is how often the lenses will need to be replaced. Normally for first-time child wearers we will advise a daily disposable lens.
- Daily Disposables: These are single-use lenses that kids can discard at the end of the day, making them a hygienic and convenient option.
- Weekly or Monthly Disposables: These contact lenses need to be replaced either weekly or monthly, and require proper cleaning and storage.
Making the Right Choice: Key Factors to Consider
When deciding between glasses and contact lenses for your child, keep the following factors in mind:
- Your Child's Age & Maturity Level: Younger children may find glasses easier to manage, while older kids and teens might be ready for the responsibility that comes with wearing contact lenses.
- Lifestyle & Daily Activities: For active children involved in sports or outdoor play, contact lenses may offer better convenience.
- Parental Comfort & Availability: Parents who can dedicate time to guiding their child through proper contact lens hygiene may feel more comfortable introducing them to contacts as an option.
- Professional Advice: Your child's Conestoga Eye provider can provide personalized recommendations based on their prescription, lifestyle, and eye health.
Expert Recommendations from Conestoga Eye
At Conestoga Eye, we’re dedicated to helping children achieve optimal vision through expert, compassionate care. Whether your child needs glasses, contact lenses, or myopia control solutions, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Our optical shop offers a wide variety of glasses for kids that combine durability, comfort, and style. Plus, our optometrists and ophthalmologists specialize in child-friendly care, ensuring that every visit is a positive experience.
See the Difference with Conestoga Eye
Having access to high-quality pediatric eye care is essential for every child to succeed and enjoy life to the fullest. At Conestoga Eye, we are here to provide expert care.
Schedule an appointment with Conestoga Eye today to meet our dedicated specialists and ensure your child receives the care they deserve.
