Do your kids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge.
Dr. Greene treats patients from all over Cromwell, CT with their vision correction needs. The knowledgeable, caring staff at Family Eye Care & Contact Lens Center can help you and your kids if theyāre struggling with their glasses or donāt want to wear them.Why Wonāt My Child Wear His or Her Glasses?
To help your children get the best vision possible, you first need to understand why theyāre fighting with you over their glasses. It usually stems from something physical, emotional, or social, such as:
- Wrong fit
- Wrong prescription
- Personal style
- Reactions from friends
How do you know which it is? Pay close attention to the signs, from what your kids say, to how they behave, to how they interact with others.
Physical
Improper fit is a big reason why glasses could feel uncomfortable. If they slip down, itch behind the ears, or put pressure on the bridge of the nose, it can explain why a child wouldnāt like to wear them.
If thereās been a big change to their prescription, they may need time to get used to it. If they were given the wrong prescription, they may be straining their eyes, getting headaches, or having eye fatigue. An incorrect prescription can make wearing glasses painful or awkward. It doesnāt correct their vision, either, so theyāll still see blurry images. When this happens, your eye doctor can check the prescription and make an adjustment.
Emotional
Your kids at home arenāt the same as your kids in school, on the sports field, or with their friends. They may be afraid of being made fun of in school, or they may not want the sudden attention on their appearance. These feelings can be even stronger among the tween and teen set.
Social
Even young kids can feel different when they put on a pair of glasses, especially if itās for the first time. Feeling different or weird, in their eyes, translates to a negative experience. When wearing glasses makes them feel like the odd man out, they may not want to wear them. The last thing your child wants is to feel like a social outcast. After all, everyone wants to belong.
How We Can Help
First, bring your child in to the eye doctor for an eye exam. Our optometrist, Dr. Greene, will check to make sure that your child has the right prescription and that any vision problems are being corrected. Next, weāll take a look at the glasses and place them on your childās face to determine if theyāve got the proper fit. Our optician will take care of any adjustments that need to be made.
The Vision They Need, The Style They Want
Fashion isnāt only for adults. Your budding fashionista or trendy young stud wants to look awesome, so donāt forget about style. When your kids look great, theyāll feel great! Give them the top-quality eyewear they need without compromising on style. Your kids are a lot more likely to wear glasses when they like the way they look.
What You Can Do to Help
Encourage, stay positive, and donāt give up. Avoid telling them what you want them to wear. Let them choose for themselves. In the end, theyāre the ones wearing the glasses. Making decisions is an important life skill, something theyāll need as they grow up and become more independent.
For younger children, use positive words to encourage them. Talk about how glasses are like magic, letting them see beautiful things around them. Show them how a pretty flower or a bright red truck looks with the glasses on, and how different it looks with the glasses off. For older kids, throw in a little pop culture. Tell them how trendy theyāll look by showing them pictures of celebrities who also wear glasses. Youāll also rack up some cool parent points.
At Family Eye Care & Contact Lens Center, we have the experience and unique approach to childrenās eyewear that will make your kids want to wear their glasses. Schedule an eye exam today ā you can book an appointment online right here. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call and weāll be glad to help.
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