Even when children show interest in contact lens, their parents’ reluctance keeps them in glasses.
Last year, researchers surveyed 13 eye clinics across country
and found that only two
out of every ten (17.6
per cent) of the surveyed children and teenagers with short-sightedness (myopia) wore contact
lenses, even though that is
what most of them preferred. They instead continued to use spectacles.
The students said they preferred contacts due to enhanced vision clarity (59 per cent of them) and improved self-esteem (64 per cent).
The biggest barrier to CL uptake appeared to be parental disapproval and skepticism. More than half of the participants (51.8 per cent) cited parental concerns as a major reason they did not wear contact lenses. Many parents viewed CLs as unsafe or impractical for children.
“Regardless of the high
interest by children, parents have been shown to have initial fear that CL was
less safe for children,” said the researchers, from Masinde
Muliro University of Science and Technology and Kaimosi Friends University.
Contact lenses offer significant benefits compared to glasses. But many parents often worry about the safety of contact lenses, the complexity of maintenance, and the cost involved.
The study suggests that even when children show interest in CLs, their parents’ reluctance ultimately prevents them from making the switch. “Despite students recognising the advantages of contact lenses, parental concerns about safety and convenience often override their preferences,” the researchers noted.
This indicates that changing parental perceptions could significantly increase CL adoption rates.
Fear of eye injury was another major factor tied to parental skepticism. “Most participants (60 per cent) were concerned about the risk of eye injury when using contact lenses," the researchers stated. This fear is often reinforced by parents who prefer the perceived simplicity and safety of spectacles over CLs.
Affordability was another parental concern. While contact lenses offer advantages over spectacles, their cost was seen as a major deterrent. "44.7 per cent of participants agreed that the high cost of contact lenses was a barrier," the study found. Parents, who are typically the primary financial decision-makers, are more likely to opt for glasses, which they perceive as a more cost-effective solution.
The few students who used contact lens said it
improved their self-esteem. "Enhanced
self-esteem with contact lenses was reported by 64 per cent of the participants," the
study noted. Many students felt that wearing glasses affected their social
interactions and self-image.
The study identified eye care professionals as the primary source of information about contact lenses. However, they also found gaps in public awareness that could be addressed through targeted campaigns.
“Limited CL knowledge was a major barrier, with 55 per cent of participants lacking
adequate information about contact lenses,” the study highlighted.
They recommended that eye care professionals take a more active role in promoting contact lenses as an option for myopic children.
"Engaging parents in meaningful conversations can boost their
inclination towards CLs," they suggested.
