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Contacts
VSP Contributor, 4 Nov 2025

Can Kids Wear Contact Lenses? A Complete Parent's Guide

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Article Medically Reviewed by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon

With school back in session, some kids might start noticing the world getting a little… fuzzier: whiteboards, pop quiz sheets, even the cafeteria mystery meat (at least fuzzier than usual!). For some, this might be their first “hey, I might need glasses” moment, while for others, it may just mean a new school-year prescription. Either way, as kids get older, parents often wonder if the time is right to swap those frames for contacts or if contact lenses are a suitable option. If that sounds familiar, here’s a few things to consider:

At what age can kids wear contact lenses?

Let’s do some myth-busting right off the bat: Contact lenses aren’t just for adults. Kids can wear contacts safely and comfortably, too (if they’re ready).

So, what does “ready for contacts” look like? Surprisingly, it isn’t a number; it’s maturity—and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) agrees. Can your child follow directions reliably? Can they handle frustration if a lens gets stuck? Glasses are often as simple as putting them on your face, but pediatric contact lenses require a little more patience and a lot more responsibility.

Then there’s hygiene. Washing hands before handling contacts, storing them properly, and not swapping lenses with a friend like they’re Pokémon cards (gross, I know, but kids have tried it) are all nonnegotiable for safe contact lens use for kids.

Motivation counts, too. A child who’s excited about wearing contacts is going to take them way more seriously than one who feels pressured into it. It’s like choosing to practice the piano versus being told to—one’s way more successful than the other.

At the end of the day, age isn’t the deciding factor that many parents think it is. While some eye doctors might set rigid age limits for contact lenses, usually around 10 or 11 years old, some kids are ready earlier (and some later). The real question is whether they’re prepared to care for their eyes, and their lenses, consistently.

You can learn more about kids and contact lenses here: VSP Kids’ Contacts

Contacts can be a game-changer—for you and them.

Kids are known to lose, break, or destroy their glasses. And while there’s no hard data to prove that, any parent will tell you it’s true! One minute, they’re perched safely on a nose; the next, they’ve ended up at the bottom of a backpack. That’s when contact lenses start to look really tempting.

Of course, saving on replacement glasses is nice, but for active kids (especially athletes), contacts can be a literal game-changer! No fogging up during soccer practice. No slipping down the nose mid-sprint. No risk of smashing them on the basketball court either. Just clear, reliable vision when it counts the most. These benefits of contacts for children can make a significant difference.

And then there’s the confidence factor. Kids who aren’t constantly adjusting their frames or worrying if their glasses match their outfit can often feel more comfortable—they can just dive into sports, theater, or any other activity without hesitation.

So, sports? Check. Confidence? Check. But let’s not forget their main purpose: Contact lenses correct many vision problems. Not only do contacts correct common conditions like astigmatism, but some even help slow the progression of nearsightedness. In short: contacts help kids get the corrective support they need, both on and off the field!

How to ensure safe contact lens hygiene for kids?

We touched lightly on hygiene earlier, but let’s get into the details. Taking care of contacts isn’t just about keeping the lenses themselves clean; it’s also about keeping eyes healthy. If you skip the basics, you’re looking at (quite literally) headaches, irritation, and the occasional pinkeye (ew). Here are a few rules every young contact wearer needs to live by:

Wash up first. Clean hands before putting contacts in or taking them out.
Stick to contact solution. Contacts are not cleaned with water and definitely not with spit (again, kids will be kids). Only use the solution your eye doctor recommends.
Don’t sleep in them. Unless your eye doctor specifically says otherwise, contacts come out before bed. Same goes for wearing them longer than prescribed.
Keep the case clean. Rinse and replace contact cases regularly—a new one at least every three months should do it.
See the eye doctor. Annual check-ins make sure contacts fit right, prescriptions are current, and no damage is happening under the radar.

Younger kids will need some supervision at first. Make sure that hands are actually washed, lenses are handled safely, and a daily routine is followed. You don’t have to hover, but a watchful eye helps build good habits that stick. And don’t worry—over time, they’ll get the hang of it (and you’ll get some peace of mind)!

What are the risks of contact lenses for kids?

Contact lenses can be a great fit for many kids, but it’s smart to know the risks before making the switch. Here are the risks that parents should keep in mind:

Eye infections: Poor hygiene, like forgetting to wash hands, skipping cleaning steps, or wearing contacts longer than prescribed can lead to irritation or serious infections such as microbial keratitis, which in rare cases can cause vision loss or even blindness.
Discomfort and dryness: Some kids may experience dry eyes, allergies, or discomfort, especially when they’re new to contacts or if the lenses aren’t a perfect fit.
Lost or damaged lenses: Kids can lose or damage their contacts, which can be frustrating and sometimes costly.
Ignoring symptoms: Kids might not always speak up if their eyes feel itchy, red, or just “off.” It’s important to encourage honesty about any discomfort.

Most risks can be avoided with good habits, regular checkups, and a little supervision at first. When in doubt, your eye doctor is the best resource for keeping young eyes safe and healthy.

What types of contact lenses are there for kids?

Not all contact lenses are the same, and picking the right kind for your kid can make a huge difference. Let’s break it down:

Daily Disposable vs. Extended Wear

Daily disposable lenses are tossed at the end of the day. No cleaning, no fuss, less risk of infection when worn properly. Perfect for kids who already misplace their shoes, half their homework, and a water bottle every other week! Parents love them too—the routine is as easy as “use it, toss it, done.”

Extended wear lenses can last longer, even overnight if your eye doctor gives the okay. Unlike disposables, they need regular cleaning, but once a kid builds the habit, it becomes automatic. Plus, you’re not throwing out a fresh pair every single day, which saves a little waste (and sometimes, a little money).

Myopia Control Lenses (Mi Sight and Ortho-K)

Some lenses don’t just compensate for eye issues; they actually slow them down!

MiSight® 1 Day: Soft lenses worn during the day and FDA-approved to slow myopia They’re daily disposables, so hygiene is about as easy as it gets.
Ortho-K: Rigid lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea. Kids wake up seeing clearly without glasses or contacts during the day. The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes this approach should be monitored by an eye doctor.

So, which type of contact lenses are best?

For most younger kids, daily disposable contacts are the most appropriate type of contact lenses. They’re easy, low-maintenance, and low-risk (basically the Velcro shoes of contact lenses). For kids with progressing myopia, MiSight or Ortho-K provide effective management. And according to the American Optometric Association, soft contact lenses are generally a safe choice, even for younger children when introduced properly. The bottom line is you know your kids best, but their doctor knows their eyes best. Together you can find the right contact lenses for the job.

The Role of an Eye Doctor

Before your child can put in their first pair of contacts, a visit to the eye doctor is in order. And not just to “check the box” either. Eye doctors do more than just hand over lenses—they make sure the prescription works, the lenses fit comfortably, and your child’s eyes are healthy.

After that, you’ll also want to schedule regular checkups. They won’t be long or scary like a dentist appointment, but they’ll be just as important. The eye doctor makes sure everything stays up to snuff (and if it’s not, they’ll catch it early).

As your child grows, their vision may change. Regular visits let the doctor tweak their prescription so they keep seeing clearly. After all, squinting through homework is no fun (and squinting through video games is pure torture).

Teaching Kids Healthy Contact Lens Habits

Contacts aren’t just a “put them in and forget” type deal. Kids will need a little coaching at first.

Start with the basics. Clean hands, proper storage, no shortcuts. Yes, they’ll try to skip steps (the same way they “forget” to brush their teeth), but stick with it until it becomes second nature to them. If you wear contacts yourself, try making it something you do together. They’ll get used to seeing the “pro” do it and copy you.

Build the routine. Kids do better when things are on autopilot. If they can remember their Roblox login or the lyrics to every Disney song, then they can remember to clean their contacts before bed! Try building a consistent, predictable routine (same time, same place). That way, there’s no question.

Keep it honest. If their eyes feel itchy, dry, or just plain weird, you want them to say so (before it turns into a bigger problem). No judgment, just: “Thanks for telling me, let’s fix it.”

Healthy habits make contacts one less thing to worry about, and you’ll both see the benefits!

Vision Insurance: A Simple Way to Save on Contacts

Contacts, exams, follow-up visits… they can all add up faster than you’d think. And sure, coupons and discount codes for contacts help, but they’re just short-term fixes for a long-term commitment. That’s why VSP® Individual Vision Plans provides comprehensive vision coverage that includes a covered eye exam, a generous allowance for glasses or contacts, and other benefits that take care of your vision for the long haul. And just like with contact lenses, vision insurance isn’t just for adults; kids need vision insurance, too.

Ready to see how much you could save? Get a free vision plan quote today.

Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Reviewed by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon:

Can Kids Wear Contact Lenses? A Complete Parent's Guide Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vison Care where she helps drive strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about vision, eye health and its connection to overall wellness, while providing insight into medical advancements that seek to benefit patient care. She also provides oversight of VSP programs to address gaps in care for some of the most high-risk populations, including those living with diabetes.
With more than two decades of experience as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Sheety-Pilon has dedicated much of her time to clinical research across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties and has an established history of helping patients through novel therapeutic agents and clinical adoption of transformative technology in the areas of digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

Prior to joining VSP Vision in 2019, Dr. Sheety-Pilon served as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Illinois College of Optometry, held various executive positions within the eye health industry, and has extensive experience managing and practicing within an ophthalmology and optometry practice.