Yes, it is possible for young children to wear contact lenses successfully! Not only is it possible, but in some cases contact lenses are actually preferred over spectacles to optimize vision. For some childhood eye conditions, spectacles will not adequately address the child's visual needs. Such conditions include, but are not limited to, aphakia (no crystalline lens due to cataract surgery or trauma), high ametropias (high amounts of nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism) and anisometropia (a difference in refraction between the two eyes). Other children do not have such dramatic eye problems but wear contact lenses to improve sports performance, comfort or cosmetic appearance. The decision to fit a child with contact lens is made by the doctor and parent, taking many factors into account.

Once the decision is made to proceed with a contact lens fit, the Pediatric Contact Lens service works together to make you and your child as comfortable as possible with the fitting and adaptation process. We use a team approach, utilizing both pediatric and contact lens specialists to ensure a successful outcome. To ensure this successful outcome ample time is spent with each family member in the training of application, removal and care of the contact lenses for their child.