How Old Do You Have to Be to Wear Contact Lenses? A Guide for Parents and First-Time Wearers
At Blue Planet Optics, we often get asked: How old do you have to be to wear contact lenses?
It's a great question, especially for parents considering the switch for their child or teens exploring options beyond glasses.
The truth is, there is no official minimum age for wearing contact lenses. What really matters is the wearer’s maturity and motivation.
With that in mind, it is important to know the ideal age to start wearing contact lenses, tips for parents, and the best lens options for first-time users.
Is There a Minimum Age for Contact Lenses?
While some might assume you need to be a teenager to wear contact lenses, kids as young as 8 years old can be successful contact lens wearers, especially when using daily disposable lenses.
Currently, there are no legal or medical age restrictions. The decision mostly depends on whether the child is responsible enough to handle hygiene protocols, follow instructions, and keep track of their lenses.
Looking for a daily lens to start with? Our best-selling Acuvue Oasys 1-Day lenses are a great option for beginners.
Why Kids and Teens Want to Switch to Contacts
The reasons are pretty relatable:
- Better for active lifestyles – Unlike glasses, contacts offer no slipping or fogging during sports.
- Comfort and vision quality – Contacts have a wider field of view and sometimes sharper vision.
- Simplicity – Especially with daily disposables, there’s no need for cleaning routines or carrying cases.
Check out our guide on how to switch to contacts for more on how to choose your first pair.
How to Know If Your Child Is Ready for Contact Lenses
Here are a few signs that your child may be ready to make the switch:
- They consistently care for their glasses without needing reminders.
- They understand the importance of clean hands and good hygiene.
- They’ve asked to try contacts not just because friends wear them, but because they want more independence.
- They demonstrate maturity in other areas, such as school or household chores.
It also helps if they’re excited about the idea. Motivation goes a long way!
What Lens Types Are Best for Kids?
We recommend starting with daily disposable lenses because they’re the lowest-maintenance and most hygienic option. There's no need to clean, store, or worry about extended use.
Popular beginner options include:
Would you like to learn more about the differences between daily and monthly lens options? Read our comparison post.
Tips for First-Time Contact Lens Wearers
Whether you’re a parent or a first-time wearer yourself, here’s how to ease into contact lens life:
- Start with a fitting from your eye doctor. They’ll help select the right lens type and show you how to insert and remove lenses safely.
- Choose daily disposables. As mentioned earlier, these daily disposables are good for simplicity and hygiene.
- Be patient. Learning to insert and remove contacts takes practice. It’s normal to need a few tries, and it’s normal to be nervous at first.
- Use a clean, clutter-free space for inserting lenses, ideally equipped with a mirror and good lighting.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands before touching your lenses every time.
- We’ve also put together a guide for beginners, which you can print out and keep handy!
Contact Lens Safety for Kids and Teens
Contacts are safe as long as they’re used correctly. Here are a few ground rules to go over:
- Never sleep in lenses (unless prescribed).
- Never rinse lenses with tap water or saliva.
- Always wash your hands before inserting or removing contact lenses.
- Replace lenses on schedule. Daily means daily!
If your child experiences redness, discomfort, or blurry vision, remove the lenses and contact your optometrist.
A Smooth Transition Starts Here
There’s no one-size-fits-all age to start wearing contact lenses. If your child is ready—and your optometrist gives the green light—contacts could be a great experience for them.
At Blue Planet Optics, we’re here to help. Check out our selection of contact lenses today!
Still have questions?
Feel free to email our team at hello@blueplanetoptics.co. Or, check out our blog for more tips on switching to contacts, eye care, and our sustainability initiatives.