Teen Eye Tests Calgary
Are eye exams for teenagers covered by Alberta Health?
Alberta Health will cover most of the cost of teen eye exams until their 19th birthday. Annual eye exams will help ensure your teenager is set for success in school, sports and other extracurricular endeavours.
If your child wants contact lenses either full-time or for sports and activities, we will review options to ensure successful and safe contact lens wear. Our doctors will go over options suitable for our dry southern Alberta climate and our team will train your child on proper insertion, removal and lens care. Alberta Health does not provide coverage towards contact lens services or products but most 3rd party insurance plans can provide at least some coverage.
Teen Eye Health FAQs
My teenager’s eyesight seems to be getting worse every year. Is there anything I can do?
Progressively worsening eyesight, is most common in myopic (nearsighted) children. Myopia increases the risk of a number of eye diseases in adulthood, so myopia control strategies are important to consider.
There is good evidence that increased time outdoors and reduced screen time can also help reduce the risk and progression of myopia. Your optometrist will give you more personalized recommendations after your teen’s complete eye examination.
Are screens and video games bad for Kid's eyes?
Prolonged time spent focusing on screens up close causes stress on the focusing system, and can also lead to permanent damage or loss of the oil producing glands in the eyelids due to a drastically reduced blink rate. This can ultimately lead to early dry eye disease which can be difficult and costly to treat.
We suggest all ages follow the 20/20/20 rule: for every 20 minutes of screen time, take a break for at least 20 seconds looking at something at least 20 feet away. This helps relax the focusing system. We also recommend 10 reps of forceful blinking 4 times per day to prevent inflammatory damage to the oil producing glands in the eyelids.
There is also no conclusive evidence that blue-blocking lenses reduce the risk of eye damage from screens. Read more about the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommended screen time for kids.
What age can Kids start wearing contacts?
There is no age that is too young to start wearing contact lenses, provided they learn how to properly handle them and follow good hygiene practices. Today’s contact lenses are very comfortable and highly oxygen permeable for safe all-day wear. With daily disposable lenses, the risk of eye infections is extremely low.
Our team will ensure your teen leaves with the skills and knowledge they need for comfortable and healthy lens wear. Contact lenses are often preferable to eyeglasses for certain sports and activities where eyeglasses are non suitable. You can also consider orthoK – a very effective solution that allows freedom from eyeglass wear during the day and can also slow down the progression of nearsightedness.
