Eye health is one of the conversations that parents of young children have on a frequent basis with friends, family and doctors, usually what worries parents the most is getting their children to keep their glasses on and understand how important it is to go to the eye doctor.
From the time they are very young, it is important to have their eyes checked periodically because any vision disease can have a negative impact on the child's learning. An early diagnosis will save the child many problems at school, improve their development and undoubtedly allow any condition to be solved effectively.
Poor vision in the infant could not only cause developmental problems as mentioned above, but also slow down motor skills and even make the child feel socially excluded from others. This is why it is key for parents to talk to their children about any changes in their vision.
The first step is to make your child feel comfortable with the routine checkup or eye exam. Choose a professional who is an expert on children, as they tend to be more understanding and their offices are set up to treat and entertain little ones while they wait their turn. It may sound frivolous, but the environment is the first impression your little one will have when he/she arrives at the doctor's office, so it is better to have a friendly space for this.
Talk to him/her about the doctor, guide him/her through the visit at least a few days before, tell him/her what will happen, tell him/her about the importance of going to the doctor and let him/her know that you will always be there to make him/her feel comfortable. Many parents rely on children's literature or videos to show their children that there is nothing to be afraid of.
How to choose the best glasses?
The eye doctor will suggest materials such as polycarbonate that are lighter and more resistant for children's activities. Remember that the habits of infants have a great influence on the choice to be made. Polycarbonate is also safer if there is an accident and the lens breaks, unlike other materials. The temples of the lenses must be firm and stable, to prevent the lenses from sliding down the child's face. Make sure that the temples are securely fastened to the ears and head, but without applying unnecessary pressure that could result in headaches.
The optician will also suggest, depending on the lens prescription and the child's lifestyle, applying filters such as anti-reflective or anti-scratch to give the glasses a longer life span.
Involve your child, according to his age and criteria, in the choice of his glasses model, the more he likes the color, shape and even the design of the lens, the more chances he will have to wear them without feeling 'weird'. Impress confidence with words of encouragement and make him feel that it is normal to wear glasses, that it is part of his treatment to improve his health and that it can be an accessory that also reflects his personality. You can even encourage him with compliments and make him see that what he is going through is normal.
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Remember that the lens must perfectly cover the child's field of vision, that his facial morphology changes as he grows and that is why it is essential to visit the optician periodically to adjust the size of the glasses to his physiognomy.
When to go to the ophthalmologist?
The first eye examinations between 0 and 3 years of age are performed by the baby's pediatrician unless he/she finds something that should be referred to a specialist. From 3 years of age onwards, the ophthalmologist or ophthalmologist can take care of your child's vision.
From the age of 11, and depending on the condition of the eyesight, the professional's opinion and their decision with the parents, the pre-teenager could use contact lenses, always following the care guidelines to avoid diseases such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.
What to do if my child plays sports?
Check with the eye care professional for models suitable for the intensity of the physical activity they practice, make sure the nose bridges are soft and comfortable and that the material withstands the pressure to which they will be subjected. Regardless of whether they are for daily use or for sports, it is essential to have a spare pair of prescription glasses in case they get lost or have an accident.
My child still resists, how can I motivate him/her?
Many parents rely on their children's idols to make them see that glasses are 'cool', use comics, artists, singers, athletes and show your child that even superheroes wear glasses. Make them feel that they will be listened to, that they will actively participate in the selection process and that at the end of the day they are necessary tools for their health.
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