Children often need prescription glasses due to eye conditions like myopia, strabismus and amblyopia. Besides enhancing vision, consistent eyeglass wear can benefit their vision development and performance in school. Unfortunately, many parents struggle to convince their little ones to keep their glasses on.
Read on to get tips on encouraging your kid to wear eyeglasses.
Why Do Kids Remove Their Glasses?
Children might refuse to wear their glasses for various reasons. Tight frames and smudges on lenses can cause discomfort, causing kids to take off their glasses. Some also experience irritation from the nosepiece or remove their glasses because pets want to chew on them.
What Can You Do About This Issue?
Start on the Right Foot
A positive start is essential. Ease your little one into wearing glasses by starting with short periods, such as during TV time or at school. Incorporating wearing eyeglasses into their morning routine can also help them get used to glasses.
Make Glasses Appealing
A child’s perception of glasses can significantly influence their willingness to wear them. Highlighting characters from books or shows who sport glasses, can turn eyeglasses into a fun accessory instead of a burdensome item.
If a child takes off their glasses, reacting calmly can help avoid a power struggle. Using distractions, setting clear consequences and providing positive reinforcement can also help. Involve your child in choosing their eyeglasses to increase their desire to wear them.
Speak to Your Eye Doctor
It’s crucial to understand that sometimes the refusal to wear glasses stems from an incorrect prescription or unaddressed vision problems. Optometrists can determine if the glasses meet your child’s vision correction needs.
Patience and understanding go a long way in helping your child adapt to their glasses. Opti-Care is here for your pediatric eye care needs. Call us at (410) 795-8670 or fill out our online form to request an appointment. We assist patients in Westminster, Marriottsville, MD, and nearby communities in Maryland.