A young adult recently visited our clinic, excited about the idea of contact lenses but unsure if they were a good candidate. They’d worn glasses since childhood, and with a more active lifestyle and changing daily routine, they wanted something easier and more flexible. They weren’t alone—many people of all ages are curious about switching to contact lenses, whether they’re teens, busy professionals, or adults over 40 dealing with reading vision changes.
With seven convenient locations serving St. Charles, Jefferson, and Crawford counties in Missouri, we help patients at Regional Eyecare Associates explore comfortable, effective contact lens options tailored to their age, lifestyle, and vision needs. Here’s how contact lenses can work for anyone—from first-time wearers to seasoned users ready for something new.
Teens & Contact Lenses: Confidence and Convenience
For teenagers, contact lenses offer more than just clearer vision—they provide freedom from glasses, especially for sports, school activities, and social confidence. Once a teen demonstrates good hygiene habits and a sense of responsibility, they’re usually a great candidate.
We often start teens with daily disposable lenses, which are simple to use and don’t require cleaning. They also lower the risk of infection, making them a safe, low-maintenance option for busy school days.
Young Adults: Contact Lenses That Fit a Fast-Paced Life
In college, starting a career, or just always on the move? Contact lenses offer flexibility that glasses don’t. Whether you're heading to the gym, spending long hours on screens, or just want a look that fits your style, contacts can keep up.
We offer options like:
- Monthly or bi-weekly lenses for regular wearers
- Toric lenses for astigmatism
- Colored lenses for those who want to mix fashion with function
If you’re spending long hours on screens, we may recommend lenses designed for extra moisture retention to combat digital eye strain.
Adults in Their 40s and Beyond: Multifocal Contact Lenses for Changing Vision
If you’ve hit your 40s and started holding your phone at arm’s length to read, you're not alone. This is called presbyopia, and it's a natural part of aging.
Thankfully, multifocal contact lenses offer a seamless way to see clearly at all distances—like having built-in reading and distance glasses in one lens. No more switching between glasses or peeking over frames. Many people find multifocals more convenient than expected, especially once they're properly fitted and adjusted.
Older Adults: Yes, Contacts Are Still an Option
Age is just a number when it comes to contact lenses. We often see patients in their 60s, 70s, or beyond who still prefer contacts over glasses—or want to try them for the first time. As long as your eyes are healthy and your tear production is stable, contacts are a real possibility.
For those with dry eye or sensitive eyes, we offer specialty lenses like:
- Scleral lenses that vault over the cornea and retain moisture
- Custom lenses for irregular corneas or previous eye surgeries
With the right care and guidance, contact lenses can remain part of your vision routine well into the later stages of life.
Finding the Perfect Fit with Regional Eyecare Associates
Choosing the right contact lenses isn’t just about your prescription. At Regional Eyecare Associates, we consider:
- Your age and lifestyle
- Screen use and activity level
- Eye health, including any dry eye or astigmatism
- Your personal preferences and comfort
We’ll walk you through a contact lens fitting, teach you how to insert and remove them confidently, and offer follow-up support to make sure your lenses feel great and perform well.
