How Do I Know If My Child Wears The Right Glasses?
Constant rubbing of the eyes, wanting to get closer when watching TV and difficulty reading books could all be indications that your child needs new glasses.
Due to the recent lockdowns, some parents may be concerned about skipping routine checkups. If you have noticed any signs that your child might not be seeing as well as before and you are worried that your child's prescription has changed, then you need to book an appointment with an Optometrist.
How quickly does your child’s vision change?
Your child’s vision is constantly changing and developing. As a newborn, your child's vision will be fuzzy but as they develop, their vision will sharpen. Between the ages of 2 to 5, children are also at a higher risk of lazy eyes, making monitoring their eyesight vital. Children’s eyes grow stronger throughout their younger years.
So, even if you haven’t detected any conditions, as your child grows their vision will change. Conditions like myopia tend to progress or get worse throughout childhood making regular eye exams important to monitor your child’s eye health.
Take your child for regular eye exams
It is recommended that every child has an eye test before they start school to assess their current vision, and avoid any difficulties they might have.
Children who wear glasses will need to be monitored more frequently as their prescription may change as they get older. This is especially the case for children who are short-sighted.
Ensure your child’s glasses have the right fit
You should always check that your child’s glasses have the proper fit. Children are very energetic, increasing the likelihood of glasses falling down during active play. Improper fit can also increase the chances of glasses falling and becoming damaged.
If your child’s glasses break, you should take your child and their glasses to an optician for a repair. It’s also handy to have a backup pair of glasses because you never know when your child may lose or break them!!
Try contact lenses
It’s not uncommon for a child to dislike wearing glasses. If your child wears glasses but complains or prefers not to use them it might be the right time to try contact lenses. They are perfect for children who are active in sports and can improve how children feel about their appearance, boosting their self-confidence.
Usually, optometrists do not suggest contact lenses for kids under the age of 13. But, if your child can handle them responsibly, you may want to consider this option.
When should I book my child’s next eye test?
Wearing glasses with a prescription that is somewhat out of date will not hurt your child's eyes. However, going months of not wearing the right prescription may have a significant effect.
We recommend booking regular eye exams to check your child’s glasses and eyesight. At M&S Opticians we provide free NHS eyecare for your child. We are always happy to assist you in caring for your child’s eye health and to help you to find new children’s glasses.
Learn more about kid’s eyecare or book an appointment.