From school to sports to selfies, teens want to feel confident—and contact lenses might be part of the solution. At Fox Chase Family Eye Care in Philadelphia, we help families decide if contacts are the right move for their growing kids.
Why Contacts Appeal to Teens and Parents
Let’s face it, teens can be tough customers. If they’re suddenly less interested in wearing their glasses, there’s often more to the story. Maybe they’re feeling self-conscious. Maybe their glasses get in the way during basketball practice. Or maybe they just want to try something new. Whatever the reason, contact lenses are often seen as a next step in independence.
For many Philly families, this stage brings up a lot of questions: Is my teen ready? Are contacts safe? How do I know if this is the right choice?
At Fox Chase Family Eye Care, we work with families from neighborhoods like Jenkintown and Cheltenham who are navigating exactly this. We look at your teen’s vision, maturity, hygiene habits, and daily routines to help you make an informed decision.
What Age Can Teens Start Wearing Contact Lenses?
There’s no set age when contact lenses become an option, it depends more on maturity than a specific birthday. Some kids start wearing them successfully as early as 10 years old. Others may not be ready until high school or later.
Here are a few questions we often ask parents:
- Can your teen follow instructions carefully?
- Are they responsible with personal hygiene and daily routines?
- Are they motivated to wear contacts, or is it more of a parent-driven idea?
- Do they understand the risks of improper contact lens care?
If the answers are mostly “yes,” there’s a good chance they’re ready to give contacts a try. We’ll walk them (and you) through every step of the process.
What Are the Benefits of Contacts for Teens?
For teens in Philadelphia, contacts offer more than just a new look, they can also mean better comfort, convenience, and performance in daily life.
- Clearer peripheral vision: Unlike glasses, contact lenses move with the eye, providing a full field of view, especially helpful in sports.
- Better performance in athletics: Contacts don’t fog up, slide down, or get knocked off during games.
- Confidence boost: Many teens feel more self-assured without glasses, especially during school photos, dances, and social events.
- No style compromises: Glasses may not always match a teen’s changing personal style, and contacts give them options.
At Fox Chase Family Eye Care, we carry a wide range of lens types—from daily disposables to lenses for astigmatism and even multifocal options for young people with complex prescriptions.
What Should Parents Know Before Their Teen Starts?
Contact lenses are safe when used properly, but they do require good hygiene and responsibility. That’s why our team spends extra time during the initial fitting to teach teens how to insert, remove, and care for their lenses.
We also explain common red flags, like eye redness, pain, or blurry vision—that mean it’s time to stop wearing contacts and give us a call. Follow-up visits ensure everything is going smoothly, and if your teen changes their mind? We’ll make sure they have stylish glasses they feel good about.
For some young people, orthokeratology (ortho-k) is another option we offer, specially designed overnight lenses that correct vision while your teen sleeps. This is ideal for kids who don’t want to wear glasses or contacts during the day and can also help slow the progression of nearsightedness.
Safe, Comfortable Contact Lenses in Philadelphia
At Fox Chase Family Eye Care, we help teens see better and feel more confident—and we help parents feel reassured every step of the way. Our contact lens fittings include personalized education, expert guidance, and honest advice about whether your child is truly ready.
We serve families throughout Philadelphia, Jenkintown, and Cheltenham, providing advanced eye care in a warm, family-focused setting.
Schedule a contact lens consultation for your teen to get started at Fox Chase Family Eye Care.