GLASSES FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
A majority of the children do not need to wear spectacles. But sometimes a child may need them. This article is about children needing to wear glasses and has some ideas on how to make them wear their glasses without qualms.
How a pair of glasses fits your child is important. Glasses for children are not to be considered as small versions of adult glasses. The cheeks and noses of adults are of different proportion than children’s. Spectacle frames need to take these differences into account if they are to fit properly. When assisting your child in choosing eyewear, experienced children’s opticians keep these factors in mind.
A child is more likely to wear her or his glasses if the glasses fit properly and are comfortable. That way he or she will be able to see better through the right lens.
Since your child is undergoing a period of rapid growth, a frame that does not fit properly can alter developing bones, and may cause breathing problems. It may even create more damage to the vision - which was what it was supposed to correct in the first place.
Do not expect a child to grow into a specific pair of glasses. As he or she grows, the cheeks and nose will change in prominence and shape. Glasses which are a little too big may cause inadequate vision, discomfort, and the frame may slide down the nose. By the time the child grows into the frame, the frame will not fit any longer due to change in the facial features.
Active children who play or exercise often, will be tough when using their glasses. So you need to look for good quality plastic or metal frames that have flexible spring-based hinges.
Lenses that are made from polycarbonate material are highly recommended. Polycarbonate is a very strong form of plastic. Regular glass or plastic lenses can get shattered causing lacerations in delicate tissues of the eyes. Polycarbonate lenses are more resistant towards shatters and so they are much safer. Any lens may get scratches on it when not cared for properly. It is also a good idea to get warranties on lenses. The eyes of children cannot be replaced - but spectacle lenses can be.
How can I make my child wear the spectacles?
Parents are generally concerned whether their child will wear the spectacles after receiving them. If a child can see better through the glasses, at least until age ten, there probably will not be a problem.
If you find you are having a difficult time getting your child to keep his or her glasses on, check to see if the spectacles are fitting properly. Many children choose not to complain about sore noses and ears caused due to improper spectacle fits, while an adult would. You are advised to check for redness on the sides of the nose and behind the ears to ensure that the frames are not sliding around and they are not rubbing over the skin in an uncomfortable manner.
Make sure the glasses stay fit above the nose. Sliding glasses may produce decreased and distorted vision. Many times only a simple adjustment of the ear pieces and nose pads of the spectacles is necessary to make things comfortable.
If your child is still resisting having to wear glasses that are apparently fitting well, schedule another visit to the optometrist. This is so that tests can be made to verify whether the child is able to see well with the power of the lens that has been prescribed.
Glasses for children are often like ‘medications’, and the strength of the glasses may need adjustments to obtain the desired results.
If vision and frame fit are not the problems, then your child may not be happy with the appearance of the spectacles. This is something avoidable if you follow some tips during the frame selection process.
First, let your child decide on the type of glasses they would wear. Children are more likely to wear something that they have chosen on their own. Try not to argue on trivial things like color of the frames. Almost all the frames available today are available in a variety of different colors.
Second, if your child has to wear high power lenses, the glasses may look uncomfortably heavy and thick. Speak with your optometrist whether he or she can wear special polycarbonate-based lenses with an aspheric design. These cut down on weight, distortion, and thickness. These types of lenses are more visually pleasing even when they are of high power.
Anti-reflective coatings may be applied on the lenses. They cut down on uncomfortable glares. They also remove reflections that may occur in front of the lenses. They tend to make the glasses more visually acceptable. These additional options may add to the price of the spectacles. But consider the fact that paying a little extra for something that will be regularly worn is better than getting a pair of spectacles that are not worn and are kept in the drawer.
If, even after all this, you are still having some arguments with your child over the topic of having to wear glasses, there are few more options available. Find popular sports figures that are bespectacled. Look for film stars or role models that are wearing glasses. Then your child may start wearing the glasses.
Regarding yourself, wear your glasses when you need them. Keep your contact lenses away for a few weeks to set an example so that your child will follow. Show your child your old pictures, and other pictures of relatives or friends who are wearing glasses.
The activity of having to wear glasses need not be seen by your child as nerdy. In fact the process can be made to be fun. Your child may realize that he or she is wearing great glasses. You can throw a simple party and invite your child’s friends to ‘celebrate’ wearing the new glasses.
As a parent, you need to remember that your child’s visual development affects development and growth in other areas. You only want the best for your child, so make it a point to always seek the advice of a qualified optometrist when it comes to your child’s eyes.