What age can a child start wearing contact lenses?

There's no single 'right age' — it depends more on maturity and responsibility than on a number. Most children are ready somewhere between ages 10 and 14, but some motivated 8-year-olds do well. The key questions are: Can your child handle the insertion and removal routine independently? Will they follow the wear schedule? Are they motivated?

Are daily disposable lenses better than monthly lenses?

For most patients — especially teenagers and first-time wearers — daily disposables are the gold standard. You put in a fresh pair every morning and throw them away at night. No cleaning, no storage, no risk of protein buildup or contamination from improper care. Monthly lenses are a perfectly good option for responsible wearers who commit to the cleaning routine.

Can contact lenses slow down my child's myopia progression?

Yes — and this is one of the most exciting developments in optometry in the past decade. Specially designed contact lenses, including MiSight 1-day soft lenses and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses worn overnight, have been shown in clinical trials to slow myopia progression by 50% or more in some children.

My eyes are dry. Can I still wear contact lenses?

Dry eye and contact lens wear are a frustrating combination, but it's not necessarily a dealbreaker. The right lens material and replacement schedule make a big difference. Daily disposable silicone hydrogel lenses allow significantly more oxygen to reach the cornea and tend to be more comfortable for dry eye patients.

What's the most common mistake contact lens wearers make?

Sleeping in lenses. By far. It's the single biggest risk factor for serious contact lens-related eye infections, including a rare but devastating condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis. The second most common mistake is wearing lenses past their replacement schedule.

Does Eye Medics accept insurance for contact lens fittings?

Most vision insurance plans cover a contact lens fitting as part of the annual eye exam benefit. We accept VSP, EyeMed, TRICARE, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and most other major plans. We'll verify your specific benefits before your appointment.

Contact Lens Fittings in Fayetteville NC | Kids & Adults

Clinically Reviewed By

Dr. James H. Singletary, OD, FIAOMC

Co-Founder · Myopia Control Specialist · Eye Medics Optometry

Last reviewed: February 2026 · View full bio →

ODFIAOMC

Does Eye Medics fit contact lenses for kids and adults?

Yes. We fit contact lenses for patients of all ages — including children as young as 8-10 when they're ready. We offer daily disposables, monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses, and specialty lenses for myopia control including MiSight and Ortho-K. TRICARE and most major vision plans accepted.

45M

contact lens wearers in the US

MiSight

FDA-approved myopia control lenses

Ortho-K

overnight lens therapy available

What's the Right Age for Contact Lenses?

There's no single "right age" for contact lenses — it depends more on maturity and responsibility than on a number. Most children are ready somewhere between ages 10 and 14, but some motivated 8-year-olds do very well. The key questions are: Can your child handle the insertion and removal routine independently? Will they follow the wear schedule and replacement timeline? Are they motivated — not just because their friends wear contacts, but because they genuinely want the visual freedom?

If the answers are yes, we can have a conversation. We'll assess your child's ocular health, fit them with a trial pair, and teach them the insertion and removal technique in the office before they leave.

Myopia Control Contacts for Kids

If your child's prescription is getting stronger every year, contact lenses for myopia control — including MiSight 1-day lenses and Ortho-K — may be worth discussing at the fitting appointment. These lenses are designed to slow myopia progression, not just correct it.

Types of Contact Lenses We Fit

Lens Type	Best For	Notes
Daily Disposable	First-time wearers, teens, dry eye	Fresh pair daily; no cleaning required — gold standard for most patients
Monthly Soft	Responsible adult wearers	Lower cost per lens; requires nightly cleaning and storage
Toric (Soft)	Astigmatism correction	Available in daily and monthly; corrects both sphere and cylinder
Multifocal	Presbyopia (40+)	Corrects distance and near in one lens; eliminates reading glasses for many patients
MiSight 1-day	Myopia control in children	FDA-approved; slows myopia progression by ~50% in clinical trials
Ortho-K	Myopia control; glasses-free daytime vision	Worn overnight; reshapes cornea temporarily; no daytime lenses needed
Scleral	Irregular corneas, severe dry eye, keratoconus	Large-diameter rigid lens; vaults over the cornea; exceptional comfort

What Happens at a Contact Lens Fitting

A contact lens fitting is separate from a comprehensive eye exam — it's a dedicated appointment focused on finding the right lens for your eyes. We measure corneal curvature and diameter, evaluate tear film quality and quantity, assess your prescription and any special requirements (astigmatism, presbyopia, myopia control), fit you with a trial pair, and teach insertion and removal technique.

You'll leave with a trial pair and instructions. At your follow-up visit (typically 1-2 weeks later), we evaluate fit, comfort, and vision before finalizing your prescription.

Contact Lenses for Myopia Control

If your child's prescription is getting stronger every year, myopia control contact lenses are worth a serious conversation. Two options have the strongest clinical evidence:

MiSight 1-Day

The only FDA-approved soft contact lens for myopia control. Worn during the day like regular contacts. Clinical trials show ~50% reduction in myopia progression. Approved for ages 8-12.

Learn more about myopia control →

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the cornea. Provides clear vision during the day without any lenses. Also shown to slow myopia progression. Great for active kids and athletes.

Learn more about Ortho-K →

Contact Lens Safety: What Every Patient Needs to Know

Contact lenses are safe when worn and cared for properly. The most common cause of contact lens-related eye infections is improper use — specifically sleeping in lenses and wearing them past their replacement schedule.

Never Sleep in Your Contact Lenses

Sleeping in contact lenses — even lenses approved for extended wear — significantly increases the risk of serious eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but potentially blinding condition. Remove your lenses every night without exception.

Daily Lens Care Habits That Protect Your Eyes

Wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses

Never sleep in lenses (unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear)

Replace lenses on schedule — not when they 'feel fine'

Use fresh solution every time — never top off

Clean the lens case daily; replace it every 3 months

Never rinse lenses or case with tap water

Remove lenses before swimming or showering

Schedule annual contact lens exams — your fit can change

Insurance and Coverage

Most vision insurance plans cover a contact lens fitting as part of the annual eye exam benefit, though some plans require a separate copay for the fitting itself. We accept VSP, EyeMed, TRICARE, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and most other major plans.

We'll verify your specific benefits before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect. Call us at 910.426.3937 with any insurance questions.

Ready for Contact Lenses?

Whether you're a first-time wearer or looking to switch to a better lens type, we'll find the right fit for your eyes and lifestyle. Kids and adults welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, Comfortable Vision Without Glasses

We fit contact lenses for patients of all ages in Fayetteville, NC. TRICARE accepted. Serving Fort Bragg, Hope Mills, Spring Lake, Raeford, and Cumberland County.

TRICARE accepted · VSP & EyeMed accepted · All ages welcome

Contact Lenses for Every Lifestyle