Glasses for Children
Why does a child need glasses?
Children may need glasses for several reasons – some of which are
different than for adults. Because a child’s vision system is growing
and developing, especially during the first 5/6 years of life, glasses
may play an important role in insuring normal vision development. The
main reasons a child may need glasses are:
1) To provide better vision, so that a child may function better in his/her environment
2) To help straighten the eyes when they are crossed or misaligned (strabismus)
3) To help strengthen the vision of a weak eye (amblyopia or “lazy
eye”). This may occur when there is a difference in prescription between
the two eyes (anisometropia)
4) To provide protection for one eye is the other eye has poor vision.
How can a child be tested for glasses, especially in infancy or early childhood?
An ophthalmologist can detect the need for glasses through a complete
eye exam. Typically, the pupils are dilated in order to relax the
focusing muscle of the lens n the eye, so that an accurate measurement
can be obtained. By using a special instrument, called a retinoscope, Dr
McCreery can arrive at an accurate prescription. You will then be
advised whether there is a need for glasses.
What are the different types of refractive errors (need for glasses) that can affect children?
There are 4 basic types of refractive errors:
1) Myopia (near sighted): This is a condition where the distance vision
is blurred, but a child can usually see well for reading or other near
tasks. This occurs most often in school-age children, although
occasionally younger children can be affected. The prescription for
glasses will indicate a minus sign (for example, -2.00).
2) Hyperopia (far-sighted):– Most children are far-sighted early in
life. This is normal and does not require glasses as they can use their
own focusing muscles to provide clear vision for both distant and near.
When an excessive amount of far-sightedness is present, the focusing
muscles may not be able to maintain clear vision. As a result of this,
problems such as crossing of the eyes, blurred vision, or discomfort may
develop. A prescription for hyperopia will be preceded by a plus sign
(+3.00).
3) Astigmatism: Astigmatism is caused by a difference in the curve of
the cornea which is the clear dome on the anterior part of the eye.
Instead of being shaped like a perfect sphere (like a soccer ball) the
eye is shaped with a greater curve in one axis (rugby ball). If your
child has a significant astigmatism, fine details may look blurred or
distorted. Glasses can correct the optical defocus. A prescription for
astigmatism will look something like this + 2.00 + 2.50 X 90.
4) Anisometropia – Some children may have a different focusing power
(prescription) in each eye. This can create a condition called
amblyopia, where the vision in one eye does not develop normally.
Glasses (and sometimes patching) are needed to insure that each eye can
see clearly.
How will I ever get my child to wear glasses?
Most children who need glasses will wear their them without a problem
because they do make a difference to their vision. Initially, some
children may show some resistance to wearing glasses, but it is
necessary for parents to demonstrate a positive attitude. Some toddlers
may wear the glasses only when they are in a good mood and reject them
(and everything else) when they are not. Getting a good frame fit by an
optician who is experienced in pediatric eyewear is also of great
importance. The frame should be very comfortable with the eye centered
in the middle of the lens. Many children’s frames have soft, comfortable
cables that fit around the ears.
Does my child need bifocals?
Children occasionally need bifocals. These are usually children who have
crossed eyes (esotropia) and need bifocals to help control the
crossing. Also, children who have had cataract surgery often need
bifocals or reading glasses.
Will wearing glasses make my child’s eyes worse of more dependent on them?
No, in fact the opposite may be true. If a child does not wear the
glasses prescribed, normal vision development can be adversely affected.