Why does a child need glasses? Children may need glasses for different reasons than adults. During a child’s early years (the first 12 years of life), their visual system is still developing. Wearing glasses can be important for the normal development of their vision. The main reasons a child may need glasses are: An ophthalmologist (eye M.D.) can determine if a child needs glasses through a complete eye exam. This exam usually involves eye drops to dilate the pupils and relax the focusing muscles in order to get the best measurements of the eyes. A special instrument called a retinoscope helps the ophthalmologist find the correct glasses prescription. Based on the results of the eye exam, the ophthalmologist will tell parents if glasses are needed or if the eyes can be monitored. There are 4 basic types of refractive errors that may require glasses for children: When glasses improve the vision, most young children will wear them easily. Confirm with your child’s ophthalmologist if the glasses should be worn all the time or only for specific activities such as during school. While some children may immediately love wearing glasses, others may time to adjust. It's very important that parents keep a positive attitude and encourage their child to wear the glasses. If a child continues to resist wearing glasses after a few weeks, the ophthalmologist may need to recheck the prescription or prescribe eye drops to help with the adjustment. Please reach out to your ophthalmologist if you have questions or problems getting your child to wear their glasses. Bifocals are sometimes necessary for children. In some cases, children with crossed eyes (also called esotropia) or those who have had cataract surgery may require bifocals or reading glasses. No, wearing glasses will not worsen a child’s eyesight or make them more dependent on glasses. In fact, sometimes not wearing the prescribed glasses can cause problems with normal vision development and lead to permanent visual loss (amblyopia). Getting a good fitting frame from an experienced optician is very important. The frame should be comfortable with each eye centered behind the lense. (see Figures 1 and 2). Lenses made out of polycarbonate offer the best protection as they are shatterproof. Figures 1 and 2: These pictures show well-fitting glasses and happy children. Adding a strap or silicone temple tips (also called ear grips or ear locks or stay puts) to glasses can help keep glasses in place on the child’s face (see Figure 3). Most children will adjust to wearing glasses within two weeks. Reading books about children with glasses and observing family members wearing glasses comfortably can help in the adjustment process. Fig. 3: Temple tips help keep glasses in proper position Discuss the need for glasses during sports and swimming with ophthalmologist. There are specially designed glasses for sports that provide eye protection. Prescription swim goggles can be an affordable option for children who need glasses and enjoy swimming. Updated 06/2023Print Version
HOW CAN A CHILD BE TESTED FOR GLASSES, ESPECIALLY IN INFANCY OR EARLY CHILDHOOD?
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF REFRACTIVE ERRORS (NEEDS FOR GLASSES) THAT CAN AFFECT CHILDREN?
HOW WILL I EVER GET MY CHILD TO WEAR GLASSES?
DOES MY CHILD NEED BIFOCALS?
WILL WEARING GLASSES MAKE MY CHILD’S EYES WORSE OR MORE DEPENDENT ON THEM?
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD ADJUST TO GLASSES?
WHAT ABOUT SPORTS AND SWIMMING NOW THAT MY CHILD NEEDS GLASSES?
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POOR EYESIGHT AND EVOLUTION