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Choosing Glasses: Back To School
Dr Ken Onu comment 0 Comments access_time 3 min read

Choosing Glasses: Back To School

Choosing glasses: You have just bought a pair of glasses for your son. You think they look good, and you are relieved that he is now going to perform well in school because his vision is better. However, things don’t turn out the way you want. Your child wears the glasses once or twice then stops.

Every time you ask if he wears them, he says yes. Until one day the school teacher calls to complain that he’s not doing well in school, and is also not seeing very well. You ask if he is wearing his glasses, and she says no! This is something I hear from parents over and over again.

If you want your child to wear his or her glasses to school here are some things you should consider.

What To Do

The glasses must be “cool”. Children get teased a lot when they wear glasses that are “geeky” or “dorky”.  The glasses should be acceptable and should be current regarding fashion.

This does not mean that they should be expensive, but try to buy frames that are in style if you want your child to wear them. Remember you are not the one wearing the glasses. It is your child.  Therefore it is best for your child to choose their frame.

Think of the good it will do for your child as it pertains to their education and their willingness to put on their glasses.

Other Considerations:

Once that is out of the way, some other things to consider would be, whether to choose plastic or metal frames. Most kids prefer plastic over metal.

When it comes to the choosing glasses and lens thickness, if the prescription is very high, remember to ask for high index lenses as they are much thinner and make the glasses look better. Not only do they look better, but they improve peripheral vision for your child.

Make sure that the bridge fits well because children’s noses are not yet fully developed, and they don’t have a bridge to prevent the frame from sliding down. Metal frames are better for this.

For very small children look for wrap around temples or what we call cable temples, so the glasses don’t fall off or make sure that the child has a strap to go around the head.

Look for spring hinges on the temples because a lot of children are not very careful when they take off their glasses and spring hinges can prevent glasses from getting twisted and avoid costly repairs.

Polycarbonate lenses are usually the best for children and even though they cost more, they are more likely to protect the eyes better as they are shatterproof and scratch resistant. If your child is into sports, then sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses are recommended to protect the eyes from flying objects.

Enquire whether your prescription glasses can be tinted for outdoors “photochromic” or transitions lenses“.

Because children often break their glasses, it is important to see if your eye care provider offers backup options to get a second pair at a lower price or even warranties whenever the glasses get damaged.  

As long as your child is involved in the selection process and with your guidance, you can choose the best solution possible.

Remember, If your kids are happy with their choices, they will most likely wear their glasses.

Back To School Program

For the month of August, Eyes R Us will be conducting a BACK TO SCHOOL Program for Students, Teachers, and Parents. Get the details at https://www.beachmonteyes.net/backtoschool or facebook.com/beachmonteyes or Call 4561210. Whatsapp 4949136

 

Remember to keep an eye on your eyes

Dr Ken Onu
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back to school choosing glasses