Talking to your parents is one of the most important parts of getting contact lenses. Be prepared to answer your their questions. Knowing what you're talking about shows that you've done the research and considered all the pros and cons of wearing (and caring for) contact lenses. Here are the things you should keep in mind when you're ready for "The Big Talk":

1. Ask your parents if you can talk to them about something important. Have the discussion at their convenience, not yours! (In other words, don't tackle them when they've just walked in the door from work.)
2. Tell your parents that you've been thinking about getting contact lenses instead of glasses. Then tell them why.

   For example:

   • My glasses are a problem when I'm playing basketball.
   • I don't see as well as I want to with glasses.
   • I think I could see better when I drive with contact lenses.
3. Ask your parents what they think of the idea. Then get ready to talk. Here are some issues they might bring up:

"You're not old enough for contact lenses."
Most eye care professionals report great results with young teens and contact lenses. The average age for teens to start wearing contact lenses is 13.

"You're not responsible enough to take care of them."
Point out how you behave responsibly in other areas of your life. If you maintain good grades, do your homework, help out around the house and take good care of yourself, you're probably responsible enough to take care of contact lenses.

"It's too expensive."
Contact lenses are nowhere near as expensive as they used to be. Most people can wear contact lenses for about $250 a year - or less. Most glasses cost more than that. And if you lose a contact lens, replacing one is way less expensive than replacing a pair of glasses.

"They're not safe."
Millions of people wear contact lenses. As long as you care for your lenses properly and follow your eye care professional's instructions to the letter, contact lenses can be worn safely and comfortably.

"You don't see as well with contacts as you do with glasses."
Not true. Contact lenses correct all the same vision problems that glasses do (including astigmatism) - plus you get the excellent peripheral vision that glasses can't give you.

"They're uncomfortable."
Contact lenses are mainly made of water, so they're extremely comfortable. In fact, new innovations in contact lens technology have made them so comfortable that most wearers prefer them over glasses.

After you've talked, your parents will probably want to think about it. Give them time to make up their minds - this is a very important decision for them as well as for you.

To help, you can print a copy of the Parent-Teen Guide to Contact Lenses (848k).

And to answer any questions they still have, your parents can talk to their eye care professional - or visit our web site for more information.

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