If you have a young child who recently discovered that they need glasses, you know that a major transition lies ahead. Whether your child is excited or reluctant to get eyeglasses, you may wonder how you can help them to either lean into their enthusiasm or overcome their hesitance. No matter what challenges you face in helping your child get used to wearing their glasses, know that it will all be worth it in the end for them to have a clearer view of the world around them. Without further ado, here are a few ways to help your child adjust to wearing glasses.
1. Ensure that their Glasses Fit Properly
Your child’s glasses must fit their face accurately, as glasses that do not can cause discomfort and may not clarify their vision as intended. For this reason, always make sure that your child’s glasses are fitted by a professional. If you pick out their glasses frames in person at an optical shop, an optician will take measurements of your child’s eyes and face before ordering them to ensure that they will fit properly.
2. Allow Them to Choose Frames That They Like
Children tend to be more excited to wear their glasses if they get to pick their frames. Though eyeglasses are for the practical purpose of seeing more clearly, they are also an accessory. Consequently, letting your child pick frames that are their style allows them to express themselves and they may enjoy wearing them more.
3. Start with Wearing Glasses for Short Periods of Time
When your child begins wearing glasses for the first time, they may experience headaches and dizziness. This is normal during the first few days and should pass once the muscles in your child’s eye adjust to seeing the world through prescription lenses. Nevertheless, it's important to allow your child time to remove their glasses so their eyes can rest. If they are experiencing discomfort, one way to help your child adapt to wearing glasses is to start with a set amount of time in which they must wear their glasses and add a little more time each day until they're able to wear their glasses all day (e.g. Start with 30 minutes total and add 30 more each day). You could also establish a time frame in which your child is required to wear their glasses (e.g. during school on weekdays and from 10 am-2 pm on weekends). If your child’s discomfort while wearing their glasses is extreme or continues for longer than a week, you may want to check with your eye doctor or see if their frames need an adjustment.
4. Be a Part of Ensuring the Glasses are Cared for Properly
Establish rules for when your child is wearing the glasses and how they will take care of them. When they’re wearing their glasses, are they allowed to roughhouse? If they’re heading to gym class, should they take their glasses off? If they take them off, where should they put them? These are some examples of things to discuss with your child, but you may want to address other unique situations based on what activities they're involved in and what they do during the day. You should also go over cleaning expectations and make sure they have whatever they may need to care for their glasses on the go (e.g. mini bottle of cleaning solution and cloth, glasses case, strap for sports, etc.)
5. Make Other Caregivers Aware of Expectations
If your child goes to school or daycare, be sure to inform their teachers or caregivers of the rules and expectations you’ve laid out for when to wear the glasses, when to take them off, and how to take care of them. In doing this, you create consistency between home and school/daycare which will make your child's transition into wearing glasses more smooth.
6. Be Encouraging
Let your child know that nervousness and even some physical discomfort are normal when first starting to wear glasses. Answer their questions the best you can and if possible, allow your child to ask the eye doctor questions during their appointment. Remind them that though they may be hard to get used to at first, glasses are going to help them see better which will be worth it in the end. If your child is enthusiastic already, keep their enthusiasm going and don’t hesitate to get excited with them. After all, who wouldn't want to see the world a little clearer?
7. Have Patience
Even with lots of encouragement and positive reinforcement, some children may still be hesitant to wear their glasses. This is perfectly normal and it may just take some extra time, motivation, and effort for them to adjust. Continue to meet your child where they're at with patience and reassurance, and persist at encouraging them.
If you’re having trouble with your child’s glasses, we want to help! Give us a call at 616-796-9995 and we’ll be happy to assist.