Many children (even those who are preverbal) will appreciate the improvement in vision that wearing glasses provides and immediately like to wear their glasses.  For those who find the adjustment to be more or a challenge, here are a few tips.

  1.  Fit the Glasses Properly: When your child first gets glasses, work with your child’s eye doctor optician  to ensure that the glasses you choose fits your child’s face. The frames may need adjustment so they can stay on comfortably. We recommend choosing an optical shop that has a large selection of pediatric frames and works frequently with children.  Should you need guidance please speak with us and we will provide advice.
  2. Use a glasses strap or stay puts: A glasses strap may help keep your toddler’s glasses on their head, even if your child is inclined to take their glasses off. Get an elastic glasses strap and keep the strap on your child’s glasses. When choosing a strap, test it on your child to be sure the strap fits appropriately.  If your child is uncomfortable with a strap, “stay puts” may provide extra security and are generally comfortable for most  children.
  3. Keep Your Child Distracted:
    For the first several days after your toddler starts wearing glasses, try to keep him/her distracted from the glasses and focused elsewhere.  This will help prevent your child from tearing their glasses off.  For younger children putting glasses on initially prior to mealtime is a helpful distraction.  For toddlers and older children, allow your child to watch a favorite television program, play games with your child, or read to your child from his/her favorite book. As your child gets used to wearing their new glasses, you’ll need to spend less and less time creating distractions.
  4. Be Positive and provide reward
    Children respond to a positive attitude. When putting glasses on your child’s face, smile and provide positive feedback.    Set goals for your child.  Older children will respond to a  rewards chart. For younger children it may be helpful to set smaller goals.  You might set the goal that your child will keep their glasses on for at least an hour. If your child keeps their glasses on for that length of time, give your child a small reward.
  5. Make Sure They’re Worn Every Day
    Have your child wear his/her glasses at least once every day, but do not force your child to wear their glasses for longer than can be tolerated. Turning this process into a battle may make your child more resistant to wearing glasses at all.
  6. Most importantly, should your child continue to refuse glasses despite your best efforts please contact us.