Eyeglasses: Help Your Child Adjust

Wearing glasses can be hard for children to accept. They may worry that the other kids will tease them. They may feel different. Some children don't like wearing glasses and they 'forget' to put them on or 'forget' to take them to school. They think that they won't be able to play sports or that they'll look ugly. Glasses may feel uncomfortable or heavy at first. There are several things you can do to help get young children to wear their glasses.

Help your child understand why she needs to wear glasses. Even toddlers can understand that glasses will help them see better.

For school-aged children, wearing glasses can help them read or see the blackboard. Be sure to ask the eye doctor the times your child needs to wear his or her glasses. Some children need glasses for reading and homework,and others need glasses to see at a distance.

If teasing or bullying is a problem from other students, talk with your child about effective ways to deal with the teasing. Often if the child doesn’t react to the teasing, it stops. Talk with your child’s teacher about it.

Let children help pick out frames that they like.

Tell them that they look great when they wear their glasses. Many children are concerned that they look weird, or that everyone is looking at them when they first get glasses.

Make sure the glasses fit properly.

Glasses should fit snugly, but not too tight. Glasses that are too tight can hurt behind the ears. Do not try to buy frames thinking that your child will grow into them. Glasses should fit comfortably now. Loose glasses will start to slide down your child’s nose. The place where you get the glasses will adjust them at no charge.

Keep safety in mind.

Children's lenses should be made of polycarbonate. It is the safest material and is lighter weight than other lenses. If your child plays sports, sports goggles help protect against eye injury.

Keep your child’s glasses clean and if you notice redness or sore patches on your child’s nose or temples, take the glasses for readjustment.

Check screws and other fittings regularly to make sure the glasses are secure.

Make wearing glasses enjoyable.

Start your child off by having her wear the glasses for short periods of time. It also helps to link wearing glasses to something the child enjoys, such as watching a favorite video. Find picture books that show children wearing glasses.

Be positive.

Children, like adults, thrive on affection. The attitude of parents and grandparents can influence a child more than most people think. Make glasses seem "cool" for your child. Point out sports figures, celebrities, or family members who wear glasses. For very young children, "being just like Daddy" may be what counts. Point out how good the glasses look on your child.

Don't nag.

If the child takes her glasses off, put them back on in a firm but loving manner. Compliment your child for remembering to wear his glasses. Nagging or trying to reason with your child will not improve glasses wearing.

Make it routine.

Make the glasses a part of the child's daily routine. Put them on in the morning as the child is getting dressed and take them off before naps and bedtime. Let teachers know when the child should wear glasses.

Keep discipline calm and matter-of-fact.

Glasses are not some awful torture. They help your child see. Sometimes you just need to insist that your child wear the glasses. Use time-out as a form of discipline if your child will not wear his glasses.

Keep follow-up appointments.

Your child's healthcare provider can help you convince your child to wear glasses. Your provider can also check the fit to make sure that the glasses are not too tight and uncomfortable or so loose that they slip and slide.