If your child is asking for contact lenses, you might be wondering if they're ready for them. Before you decide on contacts for your child, there are some factors you should take into consideration. Age is one of those issues.

Studies show that children as young as eight years old can be good candidates for contacts. Here are a few other factors you should take into consideration when deciding if contacts are right for your child.

Your Child Practices Good Personal Hygiene

Contact lenses need to be kept clean. Lenses that are dirty or that are touched with dirty hands can transfer germs to your child's eyes, which can lead to infections. If your child washes their hands without being told and practices good personal hygiene, they're probably ready to wear contacts.

Your Child Takes Care of Their Prescription Glasses

Watch the way your child cares for their prescription glasses. Do they keep them clean? Do they wear them when they're supposed to? Or, do they lose them often? If your child does not take proper care of their glasses, chances are that they won't take care of their contact lenses. You might want to hold off on the contacts until your child is able to maintain their glasses.

Your Child is Active in Sports?

It can be difficult to participate in sports when you wear prescription glasses. If your child is active in sports, this might be the right time for contact lenses. This is particularly important if your child removes their glasses during sporting events. Limited vision during play can increase the chances of sports-related injuries.

Your Child Removes Their Glasses for Social Events

Self-esteem is a big issue for kids, especially teenagers. Glasses can make a child feel self-conscious about their appearance, which can make them avoid social situations. If your child removes their glasses for social events or refuses to wear them, it might be time to consider contact lenses.

Your Child's Glasses Often Fog Over

If you live in a humid region of the country, you may notice that your child's glasses fog over each time they go outside. This can become a problem, especially if it interferes with their daily activities. Contact lenses are not affected by humidity, which means your child's vision won't be affected by the weather.

Contact lenses are a lot of responsibility. This guide will help you decide if your child is ready for contacts. Contact an optometrist like Robert A. Marini, OD to answer specific questions about your child's eye health and how contacts might benefit them.