By Michael Hutton 

Contact lenses for children  can provide significant benefits in terms of improving self-confidence and helping to reduce the risk of bullying but it appears from a new survey that many mothers find it difficult to discuss this with their children. Yet topics like smoking, alcohol and drugs do not appear to create the same problem for mothers with 93% of those surveyed confirming that discussions on these topics had already been held with their children. The survey was undertaken by Mom Central Consulting in partnership with Bausch and Lomb, one of the world's leading contact lens producers and covered more than 800 mothers in the US with at least one child over the age of 10.

The survey showed that the day-to-day conversations about issues relating to nutrition, use of contact lenses and makeup were the hardest for mothers to navigate. Overall, whilst 63% of mothers felt well-prepared for discussions about smoking, alcohol and drugs, they were least prepared to talk to their children about makeup (33 percent) or about switching from glasses to contact lenses for children  (21 percent). "Wearing make-up and contact lenses are associated with a child's desire to look better and not as closely linked to safety as some of the 'big talks'. These topics can however, help a child to address issues related to self-confidence and even academic performance," said Stacy DeBroff, CEO and Founder of Mom Central Consulting.

A recent academic study revealed that 68 percent of tweens (ages 10-12) and 65 percent of teens reported improved levels of performance in all activities after wearing contact lenses. Medical experts also agree that they have seen a positive change in the overall health and performance of teens through wearing contact lenses for children  after switching from glasses. "When a child doesn't feel they look good in their glasses or if they feel that glasses get in the way of an activity, they simply won't wear them. The greater confidence that a child has when he or she has transitioned to contact lenses pays dividends in performance," said Shelly Toltz, an optometrist, mother and former school teacher.

Check if your child is suitable for overnight ortho-k corrective contact lenses  for children.