Tips for a child's new glasses
A reader e-mailed me asking for a Consult on tips for a child who will start wearing glasses soon. How many pairs to buy? When should he wear them, and when should he take them off?
I called Dr. Mary Louise Collins, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Here's some of what she had to say:
--First, talk to your doctor. This may sound obvious, but each child is different and may need to wear glasses at different times, Collins says. Understand the child's situation: is this simple nearsightedness, or is there a problem like lazy eye, for which the instructions might be more complicated?
--For most young children, try keeping glasses on all through the school day. "It's a practical thing for kids," Collins says. Even if the child doesn't need them for close work, it shouldn't hurt his eyes to keep the glasses on, and it will help keep the glasses from being broken or lost, she says. As long as it's OK with the child's doctor, he can take them off when he gets home from school.
If kids do need to take glasses off during the day -- for, say, gym or recess -- Collins has a little saying...
(Associated Press photo)
"On the face or in the case." Have your child repeat it so it's automatic -- if she's not wearing her glasses, she remembers to put them in their case.
--Look for 2-for-1 specials on glasses. Kids vary tremendously in how quickly they'll go through glasses, Collins says. If your child is active, it might be wise to stock up. But you might keep one pair in reserve and have the child deal with just one pair at a time, to bring home with him from school each day.
--Ward off teasing by helping your child practice what to say if someone ribs him about the new glasses: "I need this to see." Collins says she hears about much less teasing these days than when she was a child, partly because there are cool fashion frames out there that kids like (such as the pink ones above). Children 11 and older might be good candidates for contact lenses.
--Have your child's eyes tested regularly, even if he doesn't have glasses now. Collins says young children often don't show clear symptoms, so it's a good idea to have their vision screened once a year by their regular pediatrician during an annual checkup. Meanwhile, check with your doctor if your child complains of blurred vision; squints or closes one eye to see; has a hard time seeing things at a distance; or struggles with headaches and/or eye strain after doing close work.
Do any parents of glasses-wearers out there have more tips? Please post below.
Comments
I believe there are special safety glasses available for kids involved in sports.
One bit that may make everyone feel better--I've seen surveys that show that people assume that other people are smarter if they wear glasses. Your child's grades may improve!
Posted by: Dahlink | July 15, 2008 7:03 AM