Contact lenses for children.

Abstract

Contact lenses for children are used to correct a variety of conditions. This paper reviews fitting of soft, silicone elastimer, and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses for therapeutic treatment of aphakia, anisometropia, myopia, hyperopia, esotropia, irregular astigmatism, and nystagmus. Cosmetic custom designs are described for the treatment of aniridia, albinism, amblyopia, and corneal disfigurement. Working with children and gaining their trust requires inventiveness and patience. Prescribing contact lenses for them requires developing good cooperation between the child, the parents, and the practitioner. The rewards of contact lenses wear for the appropriate pediatric patients include improving not only their vision but also their quality of life.