As a responsible and caring parent, you have many tasks to perform. For your child's happiness to their health, you have a lot to remember and consider, from school work and activities, to their physical and even social well-being. When the time comes for an eye exam, your hope is that they will have healthy eyes and 20/20 vision. But that is not always the case. Let us help you navigate the path ahead.
Your Child Needs Glasses, Now What?
First and foremost, you need the eye examination. Children may not complain about their vision or think there is anything wrong. But even healthy eyes should be checked out, just to make sure all is well and rule out any concerns. So, step one is schedule an appointment with the optometrist of your choice.
At this appointment, the eye doctor will be looking for different issues. They will be checking out the health of your child's eyes, of course. And also looking to make sure their eyes are developing at what is considered the normal level for their age. Also, they will be evaluating their vision to see whether they require glasses or not, to allow them optimal eyesight and overall health.
Some kids are told they are doing fine, their eyes are great and their eyesight is fine. And that is awesome. But some kids do need glasses and this is great, too.
Kids who need glasses but haven't been wearing them yet might not even know what they are missing. And the glasses can also help their eye health over the long term. Having a pair of glasses might even help them in school or in their other activities.
Glasses also offer their eyes some protection from dirt and dust, and if they are prescribed tinted lenses, their eyes can get some relief from the harsh rays of the sun or the endless glare of computer or mobile screens.
And with so many options and styles available, they can also become mini fashion icons.
Some parents even use the process of their child needing eye wear as a time to teach lessons about being responsible for something much needed and very expensive to own.
The benefits definitely outweigh the detriments.
Some kids might still have concerns about how they will look or what their friends will think. Take this time to reassure them all will be fine, that literally millions of people wear glasses every day. Point out some role models or characters they like who also sport glasses. And ask them what they would say or do if their friend was the one with new specs. Chances are, they would think it is no big deal, as well.
Once your new frames arrive, it is time to teach your child about the care they need to invest, to keep their new glasses in the best shape possible. You both will want them to last at least until they have either a need for a new exam or have outgrown them.
Remind them to be careful with the glasses. Never just toss them aside or leave them in a precarious place where they could become scratched or cracked.
For younger kids, maybe it is best to invest in a strap to keep their frames secured on their head.
And with our flexible and adjustable tips, you can help to get the snuggest, more ideal fit on their face. No need to keep going back to the eye doctor again and again to re-adjust the frames.
Also, try to get your child to practice removing and donning their glasses with both hands, to prevent warping of the frames over time.
Invest in a protective, hard case or two, so the glasses can be safely stored when not in use and not just lying around, waiting to get stepped on or knocked over.
Teach them how to clean their lenses, with a soft gentle cloth made especially for this purpose and not a paper towel or their t-shirt.
As long as you are prepared and are willing to help your child navigate their new life with eyeglasses, all will be fine and you will both be happier in the end. And we are always here to help, with anything you both may need.
Good luck and happy shopping!