How old do you have to be to wear contacts?

Technically, there’s no hard rule for how old you have to be to wear contacts. That's right; there's no magical birthday when the lens fairy appears and bestows upon you the sacred right to touch your eyeballs. 

That said, most eye care professionals start fitting kids for contacts around 8 to 10 years old at the earliest — but only if they’re ready. Some kids are super responsible little humans at age 8 (shoutout to the ones who voluntarily clean their retainer every night), while others are still losing their shoes inside the house at 15. It's less about age and more about maturity and motivation.

Contacts are, after all, medical devices — not toys. So, before you start picturing your 7-year-old with glow-in-the-dark lenses for Halloween, let’s walk through what really matters when it comes to giving kids the go-ahead.

How to tell if a child is ready for contacts

Ready for a quick-read readiness guide for parents, guardians, and keen-bean 9-year-olds? If you're wondering whether contacts are a good idea, start with these checkpoints:

• They’re responsible (most of the time). Can they keep track of small things like glasses, library books, water bottles, and their homework folder? Do they generally do what they’re told, without you having to repeat yourself more than three times and threaten to take away screen time? If yes, that’s promising.

• They practice good hygiene. Kids who keep themselves and their stuff tidy (think: puts the toothpaste cap back on, doesn’t consider “pigsty” the perfect room theme) are more likely to handle the cleaning routines for contacts.

• They can follow multistep instructions. Like “wash your hands, dry your hands, put in your contacts, then rinse the case and leave it open to dry.” If that doesn’t sound like rocket science to your kid, you might be in business.

• They’re not squeamish. Let’s face it — contacts mean touching your eye. (Gently, with clean fingers. But still.) If your child doesn’t freak out at eye drops and maybe even enjoys demonstrating how they can touch the white of their eye (because kids), that’s a pretty good sign.

• They actually want them. Motivation matters. If your child is excited about contacts because they’re into sports, tired of foggy glasses, or just wants to try something new, they’re more likely to put in the effort to care for them properly.

Still not sure? Try having them care for a plant or pet (even a Tamagotchi counts). See how they do with daily routines. If their new succulent is thriving and hasn’t been mistaken for a snack, that’s progress.

You can also introduce contact lens wear slowly — like using them just for sports or special events before going full time. Gradual transitions help kids build confidence (and give parents peace of mind).

Is it OK for a 12-year-old to wear contacts?

Absolutely — a 12-year-old can wear contacts if they’re ready. Many kids get fitted for contact lenses between 11 and 14 years old, which means a 12-year-old is right in the sweet spot. And there’s nothing biologically stopping them. Physically, their eyes can handle lenses just fine.

But readiness isn’t just about age. It’s about responsibility (see: remembering to wash your hands before putting stuff in your eye). Not all 12-year-olds are up for that — and that’s okay. One tween might be asking insightful questions about lens materials, while another is more interested in destruction and mayhem.

If your 12-year-old is mature and okay with following some simple hygiene rules, contact lenses can be a great option. Especially daily disposables — they are super convenient, require no cleaning solution, and are tossed at the end of the day. (Which is kind of a dream, honestly.)

We recommend checking in with your eye care professional before making the leap. 

Can a 10-year-old wear colored contacts?

Yes, but — and this is a big one — it depends on the type of colored contact. There are two kinds:

1. Prescription colored contacts: Correct vision and change your eye color

2. Cosmetic colored contacts: Just for changing your eye color (zero vision correction)

Keep in mind, even the fun, just-for-Halloween ones are still medical devices. That means your child needs a prescription from an eye care professional to get them safely. No sketchy internet lenses, no matter how cool they look. (And definitely no sharing them with friends. Sharing contacts is like sharing toothbrushes — technically possible, always a terrible idea.)

If your 10-year-old has already been successfully wearing regular contacts, adding color for a special occasion could be fine — with supervision. Think plays, dance recitals, or Halloween. But for everyday wear? It might be worth waiting until they’re a little older or more experienced.

If they’ve never worn contacts before, starting with colored lenses might not be the best intro. Try regular lenses first, get the routine down, and add color into the mix later. One eye-care step at a time.

Are there kid size contacts?

You’d think so, right? Surely tiny eyes = tiny lenses?

Actually — most contact lenses aren’t labeled kid-size or adult-size. Instead, they come in different base curves and diameters to fit all eye shapes and sizes, regardless of age. So while there’s no special junior section in the contact lens aisle, your child’s contact lenses will be carefully measured and fitted to their eyes just like any grown-up’s.

That means yes — there are contacts that fit children’s eyes. But no, you won’t need a special search for miniature contact lenses. Your eye care professional will make sure the brand and size are appropriate for your child’s eye shape and needs.

There are also some child-friendly options that simplify the experience — like soft daily disposables and lenses designed to slow down nearsightedness (myopia control lenses). Those tend to be easier to use and maintain, especially for younger wearers. But again, they’re not sized down versions — they’re just easier to manage.

Do under-16s get free contact lenses?

In most cases, no — being under 16 doesn’t automatically mean contact lenses are free (womp womp). But there are a few ways to potentially save some cash:

• Insurance plans. If your family has vision coverage, check your benefits. Many plans cover a portion (or sometimes all) of the cost of contact lenses for kids.

• Public health programs. In some places, like the UK, under-16s may qualify for government vouchers that help cover the cost of lenses and glasses. In the United States, Medicaid (in rare cases) and programs such as CHIP may help cover costs, depending on your state and provider.

• Trial lenses. When your child is first fitted for contacts, many eye care professionals offer a free trial pair. It’s not a lifetime supply, but hey — it’s a start.

• Deals and promotions. Keep an eye out (pun fully intended) for new customer offers, seasonal deals, or rebates on multi-box purchases.

So, while your under-16-year-old might not qualify for free lenses out of the gate, there are ways to make them more affordable. 

So, what’s the minimum age to wear contacts?

The minimum age to wear contacts is really about a combination of:

• Personal maturity

• Motivation and willingness

• Cleanliness (the hand-washing kind)

• And input from a qualified eye care professional

Some kids are ready at 8. Some are better suited to start at 14. And some might prefer to stick with glasses until they’re adults — and that’s cool too.

If your child is showing signs of responsibility, genuinely interested in trying contacts, and cool with the idea of not touching them with Cheeto fingers, it might be time for that first fitting. It’s a small step, but for many kids, it’s also a confidence boost — and a very big deal.

Want to try contacts? Let’s talk next steps

When your child is ready to switch from glasses to contacts (or give them a try), we’re here to help make the transition safe and stress-free. 

(Seriously. We’ve got the good stuff, the free shipping, and the friendly reminders that, yes, you really should replace that lens case once in a while.)

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Say goodbye to trips to the eye doctor and hello to convenience! With 1-800 Contacts, you can easily order your contact lenses online and have them delivered straight to your door. Plus, our online vision exam makes it simple to get the prescription you need without leaving home. And the best part? You’ll save money on your first order with 1-800 Contacts. It’s never been easier to get your contacts! 

FAQs

Are contact lenses safe for kids?

Yes! Contact lenses are considered safe for kids when fitted properly and worn as directed. The key is making sure the child is mature enough to follow care instructions and not take shortcuts (like sleeping in lenses or skipping handwashing). Daily disposable lenses are often recommended for younger wearers because they’re easy and hygienic.

Can kids take an online vision exam?

Not yet. Online vision exams are designed for adults with existing prescriptions. Children should still visit an eye care professional in person for comprehensive eye health evaluations and proper contact lens fittings.

Do kids need to wear glasses even if they have contacts?

It’s a good idea to keep a backup pair of glasses handy. Even if your child wears contacts regularly, glasses are useful for giving their eyes a break, dealing with allergies, or just surviving those rare “I dropped a lens down the sink” moments.