How Can You Encourage Your Kid to Wear Their Glasses?

Vision plays a pivotal role in your child’s development. Their performance in school can suffer due to uncorrected refractive errors. Regular visits to your local eye clinic are vital to keeping track of your kid’s vision and eye health. They can also aid in detecting eye problems that can impact learning ability. 

During your appointment, your eye doctor may reveal that your child’s vision needs to be corrected. If this is the case, you must encourage them to wear their prescription glasses consistently. Read on for helpful tips. 

When Does a Child Need Eyeglasses?

Vision problems can be inborn or develop later in childhood. Signs of these conditions tend to be more challenging to catch in young children. It’s hard for little ones to tell that they’re having issues with their sight. Experts strongly encourage parents to schedule routine eye exams for their kids. Doing so will allow eye care professionals to diagnose and treat eye conditions that can harm their vision. 

 

During a comprehensive eye exam, an ophthalmologist might dilate your child’s pupils to relax the eyes’ focusing muscles. It will also help them get precise measurements. They will use an instrument called a retinoscope to determine if there is a necessity for prescription eyeglasses.  

Children often need eyeglasses because of refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Your eye doctor might recommend glasses if your child has strabismus or misaligned eyes. It’s the same for children with lazy eye or amblyopia. 

 

Have your child’s eyes examined if they have been constantly squinting, rubbing their eyes or bringing reading materials or handheld devices close to their face. If they frequently complain about headaches or eye pain, it could also be a sign that they need prescription glasses. 

Why Do Kids Take Off Their Glasses?

Discomfort or Improper Fit

Your child will inevitably take off their glasses if the device is causing discomfort or doesn’t fit properly. Contact your eye doctor if your kid’s eyewear seems too loose or tight. They can make adjustments to the frame for more comfortable wear. 

Teasing or Embarrassment

Young ones can be sensitive to the opinions of their peers. For children, glasses are more than just a device that provides them with clear vision. It’s also something that affects their style and sense of belongingness. If someone teases them because of their glasses, they will likely remove the eyewear. 

Difficulty Adjusting to a New Prescription

If you wear eyeglasses, you may be aware that it can take a couple of days for your eyes to adjust to a new prescription. This adjustment period can take longer for other people. Your child could experience temporary discomfort the first time they wear eyeglasses. It could even take at least three months for them to completely adapt to their glasses. 

Forgetfulness  

It’s easy for young children to forget to put on their glasses. They can also fail to remember where they placed their eyewear. Setting reminders and establishing routines can help with this issue. 

What Can You Do to Encourage Your Child to Wear Glasses?

Make Them a Part of the Selection Process

Children, especially ones in preschool, kindergarten and elementary, are more likely to wear glasses with frames they love. They are more drawn to bright colors and fun patterns. Allow your kid to select the style and color of their frame. This way, they’ll feel more comfortable and confident with their new eyewear. 

Consider Your Child’s Comfort

Seek assistance from your eye specialist in selecting glasses that are the right fit for your child. Lightweight or flexible frame materials can help minimize discomfort. Glasses straps will keep your child’s glasses from slipping. They come in different colors and designs. If your kid’s glasses keep sliding forward, they might benefit from ear grips or hooks. 

Have a Positive Attitude Toward Eyeglasses 

As a parent, you must be patient and supportive as your child adjusts to their glasses. Explain the benefits of wearing eyeglasses. Touch on how the eyewear can make them see better at school or while doing their favorite activities. 

Pressuring kids to wear glasses often leads to frustration and failure. If your little one refuses to wear their eyeglasses, ask them why. Hear out their concerns and be reassuring. It’s also important to acknowledge their efforts in wearing glasses consistently. 

Be a Good Example

Studies show that children learn by copying the behavior of adults or their parents. It simply means that your child can imitate your habits. If they see that you don’t consistently wear your glasses, they will do the same. You can be a good example to your child by keeping your glasses on, especially when they are around.  

Establish a Routine

Make wearing glasses a part of your child’s daily morning routine. It will lower the chances of them forgetting about the eyewear. For instance, have them put on their glasses before leaving for school. It will eventually become a habit if they repeatedly do it. After some time, your child will automatically wear their glasses even without your reminders. 

Look Into Other Options

Has it been past the adjustment period, and your kid still refuses to wear their glasses? If so, it could be time to think about alternatives. Depending on how well a child handles responsibilities and personal hygiene, they could benefit from contact lenses. This eyewear provides better peripheral vision, which is great for kids who participate in sports. It can also have a positive impact on a child’s self-image. 

 

However, eye care professionals don’t often recommend contacts for children below 12. A contact eye exam can help determine if this vision correction option is ideal for your child. Moreover, parents should guide their children on proper contact lens wear and care.