It’s bedtime, and you pull a book out of the basket beside your child’s bed.
As you read together, you notice your child is acting funny.
They’ve leaned close to the page and are tilting their head to the size.
They’re also covering one eye with their hand.
You decide to call your pediatrician in the morning because you think your kid needs glasses.
Every year, thousands of children in America get fitted for their first pair of glasses.
Poor eyesight can be the result of genetics or environmental factors, and it can affect kids from a very young age.
Thankfully, early intervention can correct and protect your child’s eyesight.
Here are the next steps you can take to support your child.
Photo by frank mckenna on Unsplash
Table of Contents
Watch for Signs
Young children who are experiencing blurry vision don’t always say something.
However, you can read their behavior to decide how well they can see.
If your child is nearsighted, they may sit close to the television or have trouble reading signs that are far away.
Farsighted kids might squint when reading a book.
Children with poor vision often experience headaches because their eyes are working so hard.
They may tilt their head or close one eye when trying to focus on something.
Some kids may run into furniture or have difficulty recognizing people from far away.
Pay attention to repetitive behavior like this — it may mean your child has poor vision.
See a Doctor
If you suspect your child has poor vision, the first step is to take them to a doctor.
Your pediatrician will give them a vision screening test during their regular annual checkup.
However, children with specific vision problems may be able to pass this test.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, ask for a referral to an optometrist.
Make sure you prepare your child for the experience before taking them to the eye doctor.
They will likely need to be dilated and go through numerous tests to check their eye health.
You can reduce uncertainty by staying calm and preparing them for the visit.
Plan a slow day and give your child plenty of time to rest and recover afterward.
Choose Glasses Together
By the end of this visit, your doctor should have a diagnosis and prescribe treatment for your child’s vision.
It might correct itself as they grow, and it’s best to hold off on glasses.
However, there are other cases where waiting could make the problem much worse.
Now is your chance to ask the doctor any questions you have about your child’s eyesight.
If your doctor prescribes glasses, the next step is to find the right pair.
Fitting young children for glasses can be challenging, but you can follow a few guidelines to find the perfect pair.
Your child’s eye should be in the middle of the lens, and the glasses’ width should match the width of their face.
The arms should fit comfortably around your child’s ears.
Speak Positively
It’s very important to support your child emotionally throughout this process.
Many parents feel stressed or sad when they realize their child needs glasses — they’re worried because they love their children and want the best for them.
However, your child could pick up on these emotions and worry they’ve let you down somehow.
Communicate openly with your child and teach them to look on the bright side.
Wearing glasses is an exciting privilege that equips them to experience the world fully.
If your kid is nervous or sad about getting glasses, help them work through those feelings.
The way you handle the situation will have a powerful impact.
Help Them Adjust
It may be hard for your child to wear their glasses at first.
Young children may not like how they feel or forget to put them on, and they will likely touch and smear the lenses.
Some kids may resist the change for several weeks or months before getting used to their new eyewear.
However, others are fine after only a few days.
Regardless of how your child responds, you need to stay calm.
Keep reminding them to wear their glasses and don’t act upset or frustrated if they forget.
Most kids eventually settle in because they like being able to see.
You can help your child adjust by reading books about kids who get glasses.
Drop the Guilt
You should also check on your own emotions during this time.
Many parents feel guilty after they realize their child can’t see.
They feel horrible they didn’t notice sooner and may worry about how their kid’s vision could impact their future.
However you may feel, your child’s poor eyesight is not your fault.
You are a wonderful parent.
Your children are happy and safe.
Even really great parents sometimes miss things.
It’s OK and even important to forgive yourself, let go of the guilt and learn from this experience.
If this happens to another one of your kids, you’ll be more prepared to see the signs and get help early.
Next Steps for Your Child’s Vision
After your child gets glasses, they’ll need to visit the optometrist at least once a year for regular checkups.
Some types of vision dysfunction may require multiple checkups a year.
Your doctor will monitor their vision and change their prescription as needed.
When your child gets older, you can consider switching them to contact lenses.
Many young children in America need vision correction.
You’re not alone if you’re shocked or worried about your child’s condition.
Consider joining an online group for support from like-minded families.
In the meantime, you can help your child by staying positive and supporting their vision one step at a time.
