When a baby or a very young child needs glasses, many questions assail us. What kind of glasses do you need? Should you always wear them? What do I do if they bother you or take them off? How do I help you understand that you can't take them off? And when I'm not with him? We explain the situations you should have planned In order to help you cope with this process and we give you tips to make your glasses become an element of your day to day.
The kids do not always accept the glasses at first. Depending on the age of the child, initial discomfort or fear of rejection Among his peers are factors that can generate rejection or insecurity. To help you overcome it and get the little one to understand that they are beneficial for him, there are certain guidelines that you will have to take into account from the choice of the most appropriate glasses, to the process to generate a habit of progressive use.
Help him understand why he needs glasses and dispel his fears
Myopia, farsightedness or astigmatism are some of the vision problems that most often force children to wear glasses. If your little one is older, explain it easily what does your condition consist of and how are the glasses going to help you correct it.
If it's an older child, let him express his fears, doubts and misgivings. That the child also expresses itself is essential for adults to understand, support and reassure him.
Adapt the explanation to the child's age and level of understanding and ask the optician-optometrist to describe the little one "how they work" and what their new glasses do, and why it is important that they wear them. He is a specialist who will be used to the initial rejection of his younger patients. He will help you give the necessary arguments.
Naturalness is a key factor for dramatize the situation. Today many people wear glasses, even as an aesthetic complement. Surely you can mention several people in their environment that carry them and are great. In fact, many superheroes wear them! Superman or Spiderman are some examples. Even dad or mom may wear glasses, a grandfather, a brother or a friend ... They are all people that children love and admire, and who can serve as a model.
Choose the most appropriate glasses and have them participate in the process
It is very important that you let him participate in the choice of the model. After all, he will wear them. In this way, the child will feel involved in the whole process instead of feeling it as an imposition. You can, for example, offer several models, but not too many or you will lose interest completely. Give him a hand to try them on - if you need it - and respect your tastes.
Most current lenses are manufactured with transparent thermoplastics CR39 or polycarbonate, much harder to break than glass. These glasses are, therefore, much safer than glass lenses. And also lighter.
Ideally, choose one comfortable, lightweight and sturdy mount, since you will use them frequently. If the child is less than two years old, it is better to bet on a plastic or silicone frame, and leave the metal frame glasses for older children.
One of the points of attention are the rod hinges, which must be flexible since they will be put on and removed many times using only one hand - although it is right to use both. This will prevent them from becoming mismatched. Silicone pads are also perfect for children as they fit in the bridge of the nose, preventing the glasses from sticking, bothering or harming.
Finally, don't forget to check that the model fits well. If it's a baby or the child has a hard time getting used to them and constantly removing them, an elastic band It can be a good solution so they don't end up on the floor.
The most active children, restless or who practice some physical activity, can opt for the sports line: glasses with silicone heels on the temples to avoid being disturbed in case of blows. This type of glasses usually also has a tape that adjusts and fastens behind the head.
How to create the habit of wearing glasses in the kids
The first few days you can start by putting on the glasses for short periods of time, and gradually expanding them to increase the child's tolerance. If the child is old, it may be better to try the new glasses at home before sending them to school from day one. If you do not feel comfortable and comfortable enough with them, you may remove them as soon as you have occasion.
To start off on the right foot, choose a time of day when the child is rested and in a good mood. Prepare a favorite or fun activity to entertain the child and keep him busy enough. It is a good way to help you adapt to your glasses without constantly worrying about them.
In addition, this way you can start associate wearing glasses to positive feelings. If you take off your glasses, you can pause the activity momentarily until you put them on again, without forcing and without imposing.
The way to increase time intervals It is something that you must explore together. To make the glasses a routine of the child's daily life, one idea is to put them on in the morning as part of the routine of dressing and take them off before nap, bath or bedtime, always adjusting to the needs that come marked by the type of visual problem that exists.
Being positive from the beginning and avoiding thinking that "it is a task" or "you will not want to put it on" are keys so that we do not get discouraged.
Should you wear them all the time?
In general, yes - unless the Optician-Optometrist recommends otherwise. Although many adults affected by mild myopia only wear glasses for certain situations, such as driving or going to the movies, the situation is not the same with children.
Children's eyes have to learn to see, so if they don't have the right glasses, they can develop the so-called "lazy eye" or amblyopia, because they have never visualized a sharp image in the retina. It has also been shown that the correct prescription improves reading speed and reduces the risk of developing strabismus.
Failure to wear glasses when necessary may cause long-term adverse effects. On the other hand, there is nothing to indicate that wearing the right glasses makes your eyesight worse.
And what do I do if he takes them off or constantly complains that they bother him?
Using an incentive program can make you feel motivated to put on your glasses and give up constantly taking them off. In this, as in many other things, positive reinforcement It usually works much better than punishment or threat.
You can plan a list of small rewards At the end of which the little one obtains an especially attractive prize for him. For example: if your little one likes marbles a lot, you can give her a new one every time she wants to take off her glasses but she doesn't. By the time he has managed to fill an entire boat, he will have gotten used to carrying them and as a reward, you can build a special circuit together to throw those marbles.
As for how to control that you wear them away from home, Talk to your teachers and family to make sure everyone knows that you should wear glasses and that they will support your efforts to get it away from home.
Ask them to just do Positive comments "How good do you have left", and avoid jokes and jokes. It is important that the child's environment avoid derogatory comments, especially at school. Ask teachers to be alert to detect this type of behavior in time.
If the model of glasses is appropriate, after a reasonable period of time to get used to, they shouldn't bother you at all. Otherwise, the optomestristas will answer any questions that may arise in this regard and will give you the necessary advice to help you get used to it.
It may be difficult for your little one to get used to wearing glasses, but with a little patience, the passage of time and the help of these tips will gradually become accustomed to them and will end up considering them as a complement of the most beneficial for their day to day.
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