The Optometric Minute

Kids and Contact Lenses: How Young?

Linda M. Chous, OD, defines two success factors—motivation and responsibility–in fitting children with contact lenses, even at a young age. A child must be motivated to wear CLs and care for them. Further, a child must be responsible enough to tell someone if they experience discomfort, so that their doctor can address a problem early, before it becomes a big problem. Discuss these issues with a child, with parents in the room.

ACTION POINTS

ASSESS MOTIVATION. The child must truly want to wear CLs and care for them.

ASSESS RESPONSIBILITY. The child must be responsible to report any problems.

COMMUNICATE. Maintain open communication so the young CL wearer will report problems that you can treat.

 

Linda M. Chous, OD, is owner of The Glasses Menagerie in Minneapolis, Minn. She also is chief eyecare officer for UnitedHealthcare. Contact her: l.chous@comcast.net

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