So, your teen wants decorative contacts, huh?

Decorative contacts, like ear piercing and hair highlighting, is strictly for appearance purposes. While you’ll need to watch body image issues, this can be considered a personal choice and you should use family values to help make the decision together with your teen. Talk about why decorative contacts are important to him/her and share your concerns. Take your time making the decision, don’t be too quick to jump on a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’.

If You’ve Decided Yes

If you have decided to allow your teen to wear decorative contacts, be sure to discuss all of the issues concerning them, for instance:

• How much the contacts will cost?
• What are the costs of the upkeep?
• Who is paying for this?
• What are the consequences if the contacts are misused?

Be firm that contacts will only be bought through an eye doctor with a prescription. 'The FDA recently issued a warning to consumers about the risk of permanent eye injury, and even blindness, associated with decorative contact lenses distributed without a prescription and without proper fitting by an eye-care professional. These products are being distributed through beauty salons, record stores, video stores, flea markets, convenience stores, beach shops, and other retail establishments.' While decorative contacts may be fun to have for your teen, they aren’t worth his/her eyesight.

If You’ve Decided No

Talk through with your teen why you’ve made this decision. Allow your teen to be upset, but not disrespectful. Offer alternative things your teen can do and schedule another re-discussion in one years time, then drop the matter completely. If your teen continues to harp on the idea, re-discuss why you’ve made this decision and then set up consequences for bugging about it any further.