The child is 8 and wants to play basketball. I told her he should have special eye protection with unbreakable lenses such as goggle type glasses. She says she wants to get contacts!
2006-10-31 03:04:06 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I actually got contacts when I was in 1st grade! I know it sounds really young, but I was very afraid of being teased, as many of the other kids in school with glasses were, and I expressed this to my parents. I was also really into ballet (I ended up attending the school of the arts a few years later) and I knew that it would really inhibit my performances, if I were wearing glasses. So, my parents allowed me to get contacts (back then they only had hard gas perm lenses) for a trial period. I was very responsible with them, put them in and out by myself, and loved having them. It also left me open to play all of the sports that I wanted to, etc. I think if the child wants contacts, he should at least be given the chance to prove himself. If he proves to not be able to handle them responsibly, then explore other options.
2006-10-31 03:16:16 · answer #1 · answered by Sharon 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Children eye shapes change often, so she would need to see the eye doctor at least once per year and maybe twice to make sure their base curve hasn't changed. And it is important the child will take care of thier lenses, most adults can't even care for them properly. If the child gets an infection it could do perminate eye damage. Most importantly she'll need to find an optomitrist that is willing to give an eight year old contacts (some will and some won't). Not to mention if the child gets hit in the eye, what's going to protect it. I would definatly ask the doctor if that is ok.
Personally, I think gogles are a much better choice. They have some really cool looking ones now. They will let him/her see and protect thier eye.
2006-10-31 03:38:18 · answer #2 · answered by Mel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our family just went through this. My youngest, 10, wanted contacts. The eye doctor, who we have been seeing for 5-6 years, explained there is no set age to getting them. He said he had a second grader get them because the parents insisted on it. The hurdle is being able to touch the eye to put the contact in. Our oldest child, 14, also wanted contacts. Each of them went through an exam with the doctor to see if they were able to have contacts. They were given a set of contacts as a trial pair. The trial lasted 2 weeks. Both children are able to put contacts in & take them out, & care for them. The cost is a little less than glasses which neither would wear because they hated their glasses so much. Some doctors will allow contacts in young children some won't. By the way, I have seen contacts pop out of the eye during a basketball game. They are not foolproof.
2016-05-22 17:15:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should probably consult an eye doctor, but I can give you my advice from experience. I started wearing contacts when I was in 9th grade (so, around 14 years old) and I am now 36. My eye doctor tells me that my eyes "need a break" from the contacts. I, personally, would give her some more time with the glasses, although it would be much easier for her to play sports.
2006-10-31 03:11:17 · answer #4 · answered by whatdoiknow 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it varies from child to child, but I do think that 8 is pretty young. I think I'd wait at least until my child hit double digits. But, it all depends on how responsible the child is, and if they are capable of taking care of their contacts and understanding how to use them. I had my eye doctor tell me at 15 I was probably a little young (this was about 10 years ago).
If he's going to be rough housing on a court, I'm not sure contacts are the best thing for him. I know many adults wear them constantly (I do), but for a child just starting to wear them, accidents could happen. When I first started wearing I managed to get a lense stuck in my eye at least once, resulting in an infection.
But, she is his mother, so I guess it's ultimately up to her. She's probably doing it for the sake of vanity, and at 8, I think that too is a little dangerous. He shouldn't be so caught up in how he looks and instead being enjoying his ballgame.
2006-10-31 03:10:40 · answer #5 · answered by Sativa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got mine at 12, hard lenses.
If the doctor thinks it is ok AND the child can tend appropriately to her eye care and the care of the lenses, I would be cool with that deicision. Contacts offer superior vision to glasses, look nicer, but also increase risk of eye infection if not worn properly.
2006-10-31 03:49:20 · answer #6 · answered by kingstubborn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you have the debate with a doctor??
Contact lenses are not for contact sports...
2006-10-31 03:12:12 · answer #7 · answered by fairly smart 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why are you debating with your sister in law. Consult a professional.
2006-10-31 03:31:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont think any child should have them unless they can take care of them thereselves.. your right the sports glasses would be best, they are made for that and are for kids.. youre right about i think
2006-10-31 03:12:35 · answer #9 · answered by tangela 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the child. if the kid can properly take care of them and use them then i don't see any reason why not.
2006-10-31 03:11:47 · answer #10 · answered by practicalwizard 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋