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Huseman Eye Care

Valley West Office

515-224-9681

Merle Hay Office

515-278-1653

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  • Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

Getting Your Child Accustomed to New Glasses

  • Created in Newsletters

Little girl trying on glasses

Helping Your Child Adjust to New Glasses

Whether your child just started wearing glasses for the first time or recently got new glasses, getting used to a pair of glasses can take a little time. These four tips may help ease the adjustment process.

Consider Your Child's Opinion When Selecting Frames

Chances are you wouldn't like wearing glasses very much if someone else insisted that you pick an unattractive pair. Your children probably feel the same way. In fact, they may be more likely to wear glasses without complaint if they choose them. Obviously, some factors may make some frames off-limits, but your kids should be able to find a stylish pair of frames in your price range.

Letting your child choose a special eyeglass case may also make wearing glasses more appealing. They may find a case that they really like at the optometrist's office, where there are plenty of cute, colorful choices.

Make Comfort a Priority

Eyeglasses aren't much fun to wear if they constantly slip down your nose, pinch your nose, or hurt your ears. When you help your child select glasses, consider the fit carefully. Make sure:

  • The frames cover at least 80 percent of your child's field of vision
  • Arms aren't too tight or too loose
  • Nose pads aren't uncomfortable
  • The frame isn't too heavy
  • The glasses don't slip down when your child bends his or her head

Although it's certainly possible to make some adjustments to the frames, it may not be possible to make an uncomfortable pair of glasses comfortable. If the glasses don't feel good when your child puts them on, they may not be the right choice.

No matter how well the glasses fit normally, they may slip a little when your child plays. Silicone ear locks or grips placed over the earpieces of the glasses prevent slipping and are barely noticeable.

Discuss the Adjustment Process

Let your child know that he or she may feel a little disoriented or notice slightly blurry vision after putting on a new pair of glasses. Headaches and eyestrain may also occur as your child gets used to his or her eyeglass prescription. All About Vision notes that these issues occur as the brain becomes accustomed to the new prescription.

Luckily, these issues usually go away in two to three days at most. While your child adjusts to the glasses, short breaks are perfectly okay, Although your child should try to wear the glasses most of the day, taking them off occasionally won't be harmful and may ease the adjustment process. If your son or daughter experiences issues that last longer than a few days, let your optometrist know.

Offer Encouragement

Wearing glasses may not seem quite as exciting once the novelty wears off. Compliments and encouragement can help your child feel better about wearing glasses, particularly if they have gotten a few negative comments at school.

If you start counting family members, friends, classmates, sports figures, and fictional characters who wear glasses, your child may be surprised at just how many people wear glasses. Reading books about getting glasses, such as "Arlo Needs Glasses" or "Peppa's First Glasses", may help young children feel more enthusiastic about wearing glasses.

Of course, rewards can also be helpful. Receiving stickers at the end of every day or choosing a small prize at the end of a week may give your child a little extra incentive to keep the glasses on.

Is it time for your child's next eye exam? Contact our office to schedule a visit for your son or daughter.

Sources:

All About Vision: Does It Take Long to Adjust to New Glasses?, 3/20

American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus: Glasses for Children

WebMD: How to Pick Your Kid’s Glasses, 10/15/20

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Age-Related
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Merle Hay Office: 515.278.1653

Monday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday:

CLOSED

Valley West Office: 515.224.9681

Monday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday:

CLOSED

Valley West Office : 515.224.9681

Our offices are conveniently located in the Merle Hay Mall in Des Moines and the Valley West Mall in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Testimonials

Reviews From Our Satisfied Patients

  • "I decided to get my eyes checked on a whim while I was at the mall and they were able to fit me in. The tech who worked with me worked quickly yet carefully. Dr. Brown was very kind, professional, and knowledgeable."
    Rachel S.
  • "Super friendly, helpful and efficient staff and Dr. Brown is always great to work with. I am very happy with the care and services at this office."
    Beth R.
  • "Had an exam yesterday, everyone was very nice. I also had my rowdy 3-year old and they were so patient as he was very curious to what was going on, they had crayons and paper for him. Dr. Katie was who I saw and she explained everything so well I had no problem understanding what she was telling me. I was impressed with how quickly I was able to see her since this was my first visit and check in went quickly. I would definitely recommend this company to anyone looking for a comfortable atmosphere."
    Ashley B.
  • "I was able to schedule a same day appointment which was very convenient. The technician was very helpful and explained all the tests that were performed. Dr. Brown was fast, efficient, and very through with my eye exam. I will continue to trust Huseman for my eye health."
    Marqui B.
  • "It is always a pleasant experience working with Dr. Soults and Dr. Brown at the Valley West clinic."
    Shane O.

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