During the teen years the vision begins to stabilize. Eye development is typically complete by the early twenties. Teens and young adults should take care of their eyes by regularly seeing an ophthalmologist or optometrist to ensure continued optical health throughout their lives.
Teens and young adults who wear glasses or contacts should have vision screenings periodically to ensure that their prescription is correct. Since eyesight tends to stabilize around the age of twenty, the likelihood that corrective prescriptions will change is diminished. Your ophthalmologist or optometrist will advise you as to the frequency with which your vision should be screened.
It is not uncommon for teens to prefer wearing contact lenses to glasses. Taking the time to learn from your ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician about the various types of contact lenses and the care required to safely use contacts is important. Ophthalmologists and other optical professionals caution against the use of “decorative” contacts, which alter the color or appearance of the eye, if they are not sold by a licensed professional. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that the use of such lenses, which are sold without a prescription, can result in minor eye irritations and, in some cases, serious conditions such as corneal abrasions, infections, and even blindness.
If you need an ophthalmologist, optometrist, or optician to consult with a teen you can find one in your area by clicking here.
At all ages, eating well, exercising and getting the proper amount of sleep can help ensure the healthy functioning of the eye. Quitting smoking, or deciding never to begin smoking, is also an important lifestyle choice that can affect the health of the eye. Your primary care doctor, ophthalmologist, optometrist or optician can provide you with specific suggestions on how to maximize your eye health on a daily basis.