A useful guide to get you through the adjustment period
Finding out that your child needs glasses can be a little overwhelming. Of course, you want your son or daughter to see clearly, but if you find yourself asking questions like “how in the world am I going to keep those things on my active 4-year-old”, don’t sweat it.
You are not the first parent to ask that, nor will you be the last.
The eye care experts at Spindel Eye Associates want to help make the process of getting glasses for children as stress-free as possible, so take a look at these helpful tips.
Make your case
When it comes to parenting, half of the battle is just convincing your children that they need whatever it is you are pitching to them… and that it won’t make them look stupid, of course.
If your child loves to read but gets headaches all the time, emphasize that the headaches will go away with glasses, making reading that much more enjoyable.
If your child loves nature but can’t make out the bird in the tree, let him or her know that child glasses will make every detail crystal clear.
If your child is worried about looking ridiculous (image is everything, after all), point out important people in his or her life (supercool babysitter, older cousins, friends at school) that also wear glasses.
Prepare for the eye doctor
Doctor visits of any kind might be stressful for kids, so chat with your child ahead of time. Be sure to mention that the appointment won’t hurt a bit and can even be fun! The doctor will check your child’s vision using a series of lenses to determine the prescription strength.
Getting glasses for a toddler?
No worries! Special tests that use symbols instead of letters are effective on even the youngest of patients.
Select the right child glasses
- Kids are tough on just about everything, so choose lenses made from plastic or polycarbonate.
- Spring for the protective coating.
- Make sure the frames fit properly.
- Consider the options. Flexible hinges, plastic straps, and cable earpieces can increase comfort and help the frames stay put.
Patience and persistence
Now that the eye exam is over and the frame selection has been made, all that’s left is to convince your child to wear the glasses. Sounds easy, right?
Well, it might be easier than you think!
- Let your child choose the frames. Just like the ugly shirt they got for Christmas, kids won’t wear something unless they love it!
- Acknowledge your child’s initial discomfort. Wearing child glasses will seem weird for a few weeks, but soon it will become like second nature.
- Be patient and try not to get angry when you keep finding the glasses everywhere but on your child’s face. Simply pick them up, perch them back on your child’s nose, and remind him or her that the benefits of glasses only work when they are worn.
- Don’t make a big deal about the new glasses. Your child won’t thank you if they feel awkward in front of their friends.
- Glasses can be a fashion accessory! Brainstorm with your child about ways to make these specs into their own personal statement.
Make wearing glasses fun for your kids by calling or visiting any of our four locations for more helpful tips!