Dr. Griffiths is a well credentialed and an excellent physician. Her staff are pleasant and professional. The office runs like a well-oiled machine. Kudos to them for providing such excellent care.
Holly Horn
Contact Lenses for Children and Teens
Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lens
There are several contact lens types available for children and teens, and the best choice depends on your child's prescription, lifestyle, and level of responsibility. Our eye doctors walk you through the options that fit your child's individual needs.
Daily disposable lenses are often our first recommendation for young wearers. These single-use lenses are worn once and discarded at the end of the day, eliminating any need for cleaning solutions or storage cases.
This simplicity reduces infection risk and makes the routine far easier for busy children. Daily disposables are especially ideal for kids who play sports occasionally or prefer to wear contacts only a few days per week, since every session begins with a fresh, sterile lens.
Reusable soft lenses are worn daily and cleaned each night according to a set replacement schedule, typically every two weeks or every month. These may be appropriate for responsible teens who are ready to commit to a consistent nightly routine.
- Lower cost per day compared to daily disposables for full-time wear
- Requires cleaning solutions, storage cases, and strict compliance
- Higher risk of complications if care steps are skipped or rushed
Extended wear lenses are approved for overnight use, but sleeping in contact lenses of any kind significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections. We rarely recommend extended wear for children and teens. When used in select cases, extended wear requires strict hygiene, complete avoidance of water exposure, and closer follow-up visits to monitor eye health.
Rigid gas permeable lenses, often called RGP or GP lenses, are firm lenses that deliver very crisp vision for certain prescriptions. They are typically recommended for children with high astigmatism, irregular corneas, or specific vision needs that soft lenses cannot fully address. They are also more durable and resist protein buildup better than soft lenses.
The adjustment period for rigid lenses is longer than for soft lenses, and they can feel more noticeable at first. However, many young wearers adapt well within a few weeks. RGP lenses can last a year or more with proper care, though their small size means they require careful handling to avoid losing them.
For children whose nearsightedness is progressing, we often discuss myopia control contact lenses. These specially designed lenses aim to slow the worsening of myopia during the critical growing years. Options include multifocal soft contact lenses and orthokeratology lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight.
Orthokeratology lenses are rigid lenses worn only during sleep and removed each morning, allowing clear daytime vision without any correction. This approach is particularly appealing for young athletes. Other evidence-based options include low-dose atropine, myopia-control spectacle designs, and encouraging more time outdoors. We carefully evaluate each child to determine the right approach and discuss the commitment required for success.
- Orthokeratology requires strict nightly disinfection and no water exposure while lenses are in place
- There is a small but real risk of corneal infection, so pain, redness, or light sensitivity require urgent evaluation
- Follow-up visits are typically more frequent at the start, then scheduled every three to six months
- Myopia control slows progression but does not cure nearsightedness
Colored and decorative contact lenses must always be prescribed and properly fitted by an eye doctor, even when worn purely for appearance. Non-prescription cosmetic lenses sold without a fitting can cause serious eye damage, including infections, corneal scratches, and permanent vision loss.
If your teen is interested in colored lenses, we perform the same thorough fitting process used for standard contacts and provide full care instructions. We strongly advise against purchasing lenses from costume shops, beauty supply stores, or online retailers without a valid prescription, and against sharing lenses with friends. The risks of poorly fitted cosmetic lenses are real and can result in emergency care.
The Contact Lens Exam and Fitting Process
A contact lens fitting is a separate appointment from a routine eye exam and includes additional measurements and hands-on training. Our goal is to ensure your child leaves the office feeling confident and prepared.
During the evaluation, we examine the front surface of your child's eyes, assess tear film quality, and check the health of the eyelids and cornea. This helps us determine which lens types will fit safely and comfortably.
We also discuss your child's lifestyle, activities, and goals during this visit. Understanding whether your child wants to wear lenses all day, only for sports, or just on special occasions helps us recommend the most appropriate option. We encourage your child to ask questions and share any concerns.
Precise measurements are essential for a comfortable and well-fitting lens. We measure the curvature of your child's cornea, the horizontal visible iris diameter, the eyelid opening size, and the exact contact lens power needed, which may differ slightly from their glasses prescription.
- Corneal topography maps the shape and curvature of the eye surface
- Pupil and iris diameter measurements ensure proper lens sizing
- Tear film assessment checks for adequate moisture
- Refraction testing determines the precise lens power required
After selecting appropriate lenses, we place trial lenses on your child's eyes to evaluate the fit and vision quality. We examine how the lenses move with each blink, center on the eye, and provide clear comfortable vision. Your child waits about 15 to 20 minutes while the lenses settle, and then we reassess the fit.
We check vision at various distances and confirm that the lenses feel comfortable without excessive irritation. Sometimes we need to try different lens brands, sizes, or powers to find the right combination, and this process may require more than one visit.
We dedicate hands-on time during the fitting appointment to teach your child how to safely insert and remove their lenses. We do not send lenses home until your child can handle them independently with proper technique. Most children learn within one appointment, though some need a second teaching session.
We demonstrate how to inspect lenses before insertion, place them correctly on the eye, and use proper finger positions for removal. Parents are encouraged to observe and learn alongside their child. We provide practical tips for overcoming common challenges such as blinking reflexes, and we make sure your child feels confident before leaving.
Once your child demonstrates successful lens handling, we finalize their contact lens prescription, which includes the lens brand, power, base curve, diameter, and replacement schedule. We provide a starter supply of lenses along with any necessary cleaning solutions and cases for reusable lenses.
We also provide written and verbal instructions for wear time, care routines, and warning signs to watch for. We review the follow-up schedule and make sure you know how to reach us if any concerns arise. We recommend starting with shorter wear times and gradually increasing as your child's eyes adjust.
Daily Care and Building Safe Habits
Consistent care habits protect your child's eyes and keep contact lens wear safe over the long term. The following guidelines cover everything from daily handling to keeping lenses clean and replacing them on schedule.
Hand washing is the single most important step before touching contact lenses. Your child should use soap and water, scrub for at least 20 seconds, and dry hands with a lint-free towel. Any bacteria, dirt, or product residue on the fingers can transfer directly to the lens and the eye.
For insertion, your child should place the lens on the tip of the index finger and confirm it is not inside out. Using the opposite hand to hold the upper eyelid while pulling down the lower lid with the middle finger creates enough space to gently place the lens on the eye. For removal, your child should look up, pull down the lower lid, and gently pinch the lens between the thumb and index finger to lift it off.
- Keep fingernails short and use the pads of your fingers, not the nail edge
- If a lens feels stuck, use sterile lubricating drops labeled for contact lens use and wait before retrying rather than pulling
- Never use tap water or saliva on a lens at any time
- Insert lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off
Children wearing reusable lenses must clean and disinfect them every single night without exception. We recommend rubbing each lens with solution on both sides, even if using a no-rub formula, because the physical cleaning action is important for removing deposits and organisms.
- Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions on contact lenses or cases
- Replace the lens storage case every three months to prevent bacterial buildup
- Empty and air-dry the case each morning after removing lenses
- Use only the solution type recommended for your child's specific lens material and never mix different solution types
- Never top off old solution in the case with fresh solution; always empty and refill completely
- If using a hydrogen peroxide system, always allow full neutralization before lens insertion and never put peroxide directly into the eye
- Avoid wearing lenses in showers, pools, hot tubs, or any other water contact
We provide specific wearing schedules based on your child's lens type and individual needs. New wearers typically start with just a few hours per day and build up gradually over the first week or two. Most children can work up to 10 to 12 hours of daily wear as their eyes adjust.
Replacement schedules must be followed exactly. Daily disposables are discarded each night, two-week lenses are replaced every 14 days regardless of how often they were worn, and monthly lenses are replaced every 30 days. Wearing lenses beyond their replacement date increases the risk of deposits, discomfort, and infection. Your child should also avoid wearing lenses when ill with a cold or eye infection, or during severe allergy flares.
Many young contact lens wearers develop habits that can cause serious problems over time. Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear is one of the most dangerous behaviors, as it dramatically raises the risk of eye infections. Even brief naps in standard contacts can be harmful.
- Wearing lenses while swimming or showering
- Extending use beyond the prescribed replacement schedule
- Sharing lenses with friends or siblings
- Rinsing lenses with tap water to save time
- Using redness-relief eye drops while wearing contacts, which can mask warning signs
- Reusing daily disposable lenses after they have been removed
Your child should carry a small contact lens kit at school containing a travel-size solution bottle, a clean case, and a backup pair of glasses. This allows them to remove lenses safely if discomfort develops during the day.
For sports, daily disposable lenses are ideal because they can simply be discarded if lost or contaminated during play. Swimming with contact lenses should be avoided entirely, or your child should use tight-fitting sealed goggles. Hot tubs should also be avoided while wearing lenses. After sweaty activities, your child should wash their hands thoroughly before adjusting or removing lenses, and consider wearing sport-specific protective eyewear for contact sports.
Parent involvement is especially important in younger children and remains helpful for teens as well. We recommend supervising insertion and removal for at least the first few weeks, then spot-checking occasionally afterward to catch any developing bad habits early.
- Set up a dedicated, clean, well-lit space for daily lens care
- Help establish a consistent morning and evening routine
- Track lens replacement dates and solution supply levels
- Encourage your child to report any discomfort or vision changes immediately
- Model good hygiene and reinforce why following the rules matters
Warning Signs and When to Seek Care
Knowing the difference between normal adjustment and a true warning sign helps families act quickly when it matters most. We want every parent and young wearer to feel confident recognizing when to call us.
Some mild awareness and slight dryness during the first few days of contact lens wear is normal. These symptoms should improve steadily over the first week as the eyes adapt to the presence of lenses.
Symptoms that go beyond normal adjustment include sharp or stabbing pain, significantly blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, intense light sensitivity, and discharge from the eyes. If your child experiences any of these, they should remove their lenses immediately and contact our office. Pushing through concerning symptoms can allow a minor problem to become a serious complication.
Eye infections related to contact lens wear need professional evaluation right away. Warning signs include increasing redness that worsens over hours, thick yellow or green discharge, severe pain even after lens removal, and blurred vision that does not improve.
Contact lens infections can progress rapidly and threaten vision if left untreated. Your child should stop wearing lenses immediately at the first sign of infection and switch to glasses until they are evaluated. We prioritize urgent same-day appointments for suspected infections whenever possible. Never encourage your child to wait and see if symptoms resolve on their own.
If your child loses a contact lens, they should not attempt to replace it with an old lens from a previous supply or borrow one from a friend. Lens parameters and prescriptions change over time, and wearing the wrong lens can cause blurred vision and discomfort. Your child should switch to glasses and contact our office to order replacements.
Torn or damaged lenses must be discarded immediately and never worn, as even small tears can scratch the cornea. If a lens feels different than usual, your child should remove it, inspect it for damage or debris, and replace it if needed. Persistent discomfort after reinserting a lens requires professional evaluation to rule out an eye injury.
Certain symptoms require urgent evaluation the same day. Your child should be seen immediately if they experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain that does not ease after removing the lenses, or a persistent scratching sensation with every blink.
- Pain described as sharp, stabbing, or severe rather than mild irritation
- Vision changes such as halos around lights or cloudy areas in the field of view
- Extreme sensitivity to normal lighting
- Visible white or gray spots on the clear cornea over the colored part of the eye
- Symptoms that begin suddenly and worsen within hours
The most serious contact lens complication is microbial keratitis, a corneal infection that can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. The vast majority of serious complications are preventable through proper lens care and consistent hygiene.
Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Eye Health
Regular follow-up visits are essential for keeping contact lens wear safe as your child grows and their eyes change. These appointments allow us to monitor eye health, update prescriptions, and adjust the lens plan as your child's needs evolve.
We typically schedule the first follow-up visit one week after your child begins wearing lenses to check how their eyes are responding and address any early concerns. After that, most young contact lens wearers are seen every six to twelve months, depending on their age and lens type. Children in orthokeratology or active myopia control programs are usually seen more frequently early on, then every three to six months.
During these visits, we examine the cornea for any signs of oxygen deprivation, inflammation, or abnormal blood vessel growth. We also review wearing habits, care routines, and any challenges your child has encountered. Catching small problems early prevents them from becoming serious.
Children's and teens' eyes often continue to change as they grow, which means their contact lens prescription may need updating more frequently than an adult's. We monitor vision at each follow-up visit and update the prescription whenever we detect changes that affect clarity or comfort. Some young people need new prescriptions annually, while others remain stable for longer periods.
We also reassess lens type at these visits to ensure it still meets your child's needs. A child with progressive myopia might benefit from switching to myopia control lenses, or an active teen might find daily disposables more convenient than the reusable lenses they started with.
As children move through their teen years, responsibility for contact lens care gradually shifts from parents to the teen. We work with families to encourage this transition safely. During appointments, we speak directly with teens about the importance of maintaining good habits even without daily parental supervision.
We also address practical situations that come with more independence, such as managing lenses during school trips, sleepovers, and travel. Providing teens with travel-sized supplies and clear guidance for situations like forgetting their solution empowers them to handle these moments safely. Our goal is to help your teen become a confident, responsible contact lens wearer who protects their eye health long into adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions we hear most often from parents and young patients who are new to contact lenses.
There is no set minimum age, and some children as young as eight wear contact lenses successfully while others are better suited to wait until their teen years. The key factors are physical eye health, the ability to handle lenses safely, and genuine willingness to follow care routines without shortcuts. If you are unsure whether your child is ready, a consultation with our eye doctors is the best way to find out.
We rarely recommend standard overnight wear for children and teens. Sleeping in contact lenses that are not specifically designed for overnight use significantly raises the risk of serious eye infections in people of all ages. The main exception is orthokeratology, where specially designed rigid lenses are worn intentionally during sleep for myopia control. Even in that situation, strict hygiene and regular monitoring are essential.
Yes, part-time contact lens wear is a very practical option for many children. Daily disposable lenses are ideal for this approach because your child uses a fresh pair only when needed and does not have to maintain a nightly cleaning routine. We provide the same thorough fitting and training for part-time wearers as for those who wear lenses every day, and your child should still keep glasses as a primary backup for regular daily use.
If your child falls asleep wearing standard contact lenses, they should not immediately try to remove them if the eyes feel dry or the lenses feel stuck. Instead, instill sterile lubricating drops labeled for contact lens use and wait a few minutes for the lenses to rehydrate before carefully removing them. After removal, the eyes should rest in glasses for several hours, and your child should call our office if they notice any redness, pain, or changes in vision. Daily disposable lenses worn in this situation should be discarded and not reused.
Many children with seasonal allergies wear contact lenses successfully, but allergy season does require extra care. Daily disposable lenses are the best choice during high-pollen periods because a fresh lens each day reduces allergen buildup. Your child should avoid rubbing their eyes, start allergy management early in the season, and stop wearing lenses on days when eyes become red, itchy, or irritated. We can recommend contact-lens-compatible allergy eye drops when appropriate.
Under normal circumstances, wearing contact lenses does not make a prescription better or worse. Prescription changes during childhood happen because of natural eye growth, not because of contact lens wear itself. In fact, certain specialty lenses designed for myopia control may help slow the progression of nearsightedness in appropriate candidates. Regular follow-up visits ensure that any prescription changes are detected and corrected promptly, regardless of whether your child wears glasses or contacts.
Schedule a Contact Lens Consultation at NewView Eye Center
Our eye doctors are here to support your family through every step of your child's contact lens journey, from the initial evaluation to long-term follow-up care. We take the time to make sure young wearers and their parents feel informed, prepared, and confident. If you are considering contact lenses for your child or teen, we welcome you to schedule a consultation at our Northern Virginia offices to discuss whether they are ready and which options best fit their vision needs and lifestyle.
What our Patients Says
Explore More
Find more information about our doctors, services, and technology that keep your eyes healthy and your vision at its best.