With over 31 million people wearing contact lenses in the United States alone, it is obvious that contact lenses are the number one choice for many people with vision correction needs. After all, contacts provide close to natural sight, and there are so many different lenses available for a wide variety of needs and preferences.

The flexibility and convenience that contact lenses provide are leading more and more people to contacts as science provides us with greater options in contact lens wear. And because there are so many options, it is important to discuss the matter fully with an eyecare professional, who will consider your overall vision problems, the health of your eyes, and your specific visual needs and motivations.

How old is "old enough" for contact lens wear? This is one of the most frequently asked questions concerning vision correction the CLC receives.

Dr. Barry Weiner, past chairman of the American Optometric Association's contact lens section and CLC member, says, "There are no hard and fast rules with children and lenses." I've fit a child as young as 8. Granted, it was a very mature 8-year-old. So much depends on the responsibility level of the child. There are 14- and 16-year-olds--in fact, 20-year-olds--that I wouldn't fit with contacts, because I simply didn't think they were ready."

It is important for an eye care professional to assess a child's vision correction needs and to discuss the child's capabilities and maturity level when considering contacts. Personal wear and care regimens may depend upon the type of contact prescribed, the nature of the vision problem being corrected, and the child's unique eye chemistry.

Regardless of the type of lens one wears, lens care is now easier and more convenient than ever before, and has become a possibility for many children. Basic lens care includes cleaning, rinsing, disinfecting, and storing to keep lenses clean, comfortable and free from bacteria. The CLC urges parents and children alike to follow specific instructions prescribed by their eye care professionals. For more information, see our "Safety Tips".

Advances in contact lens technology are even enabling a significant number of infants and toddlers to cope better with serious eye problems. Babies born prematurely are at a high risk of blindness because their retinas are not completely developed at birth. Approximately 4,000 preemies are affected by this problem each year. While surgery can protect their vision, this procedure often leaves them either very nearsighted or very farsighted. Contact lenses can provide them the best vision possible and even help their own vision develop better. Spectacles are not a practical alternative for this group.

Visit a reputable eyecare professional for a complete eye examination every 12 months or more frequently
if directed by your eyecare professional.

Use only contact lenses if they are FDA-approved and only if prescribed by a licensed eyecare practitioner.
Ask your practitioner whether the FDA has cleared the product.

NEVER swap contact lens with another person.

Don't wear lenses longer than prescribed, nor when sleeping unless otherwise directed.

If eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and consult your doctor.
Don't try to brave the irritation.

Replace contacts as recommended by your eyecare professional because they wear out over time.
Throw away disposable lenses after recommended wearing period.

CRD: Cleanse, Rinse, Disinfect your lenses after removal and before wearing them again.
Enzyme cleaners and cleaning solutions alone can not substitute for disinfecting, although there are multipurpose products that can perform many of these functions if used as directed.

Wash and rinse your hands before handling your lenses. A non-perfumed hand soap is recommended.

Never use saliva on your lenses.

Never use non-sterile homemade saline, distilled water or tap water for any part of your lens care regimen.

Know your solution. Solutions cannot always be mixed. Use products recommended by your eyecare professional.
Not all solutions can be used for all contact lenses.

Solutions can become contaminated during use. Do not let the bottle tip touch any surface including your contact lenses.

Clean, rinse and air-dry your lens case each time lenses are removed.
Contact lens cases can be a source of bacterial growth.