No matter how well-informed parents are, some will not be ready to accept their child needs glasses. The transition to becoming the kid with the glasses is a smoother process if the child is involved in an eye education and if he or she speaks with doctors and parents, but it is rarely an easy process.
Here are some tips that may keep your child's eyes safe and reduce the chances of glass breakage:
- If your child is active and involved in sports activities, it may be wise to go for polycarbonate or plastic scratchproof lenses. They are less susceptible to breakage.
- If your child starts with a higher power (a higher negative value), his or her lenses will most likely be thicker, causing them to feel uncomfortable and often slide down the nose. In such case, plastic or polycarbonate lenses are also recommended because they are lighter by nature. (Source: EyeMDNY.com, Article Title: Eye Glasses For Infants And Children; Author: Dr. H. Jay Wisnicki, F.A.A.O., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., F.N.Y.A.M.;URL: http://www.eyemdny.com/specialties/eyeglasses.html)
- It may be better for your child to use an elastic band that holds the glasses in place when he/she plays sports involving jumping, diving, ducking or physical contact.
- It would be good to inform the child that when he or she is not wearing glasses, the glasses should be folded at the hinges of the temple and placed back in the case.
- It may also be a good idea to inform the child that allowing the lenses to touch rough surfaces can scratch them, even if the lenses are "scratch-proof".
- If the lenses appear smudgy, the child may wash them with tap water and mild liquid soaps, and they can wipe them clean with the soft cloth provided in the case. They should be advised not to use ends of their own clothes or tissue paper to do the drying.
- It may be wise to tell the child to clean his or her lenses with the lens cleaning spray (provided by the optician) at the end of the day to cleanse them of oil smears or grime.
- It would be good to teach your child to check the condition of the nose pad plates on the pad arms once every week and let you know if they are uneven.
- It might not be wise to go for contact lenses for your child unless he or she is mature enough to handle the upkeep and hygiene maintenance.
- Have the child practice taking the glasses off using both hands by pulling them off with one hand holding each side of the glasses. (Source: Collin Creek Eye Clinic; Article Title: Eyeglass Maintenance; URL: http://www.ifixglasses.com/looking_after_your_glasses.htm)
- It would also be good to have the child report any problem with the glasses to you rather than try to fix the problem. This way, the optician can look into the problem and perform the proper repairs.
- It would be proactive to teach the child not to touch the lenses of his or her glasses too often with his/her hands.
INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Reviewed July 18, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg R.N.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips From A Sufferer: ISBN: 978-81-291-1517-1 (Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/81291151...), Mentor Your Mind – Tested Mantras For The Busy Woman: ISBN: 978-81-207-5973-2 (Publisher: Sterling Publishers; URL: http://www.sterlingpublishers.com/bookinfo.asp?na=9788120759732) and the upcoming The Urban Woman’s Integrated Fitness Guide (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com
Edited by Shannon Koehle