A teenager needs many abilities to succeed in school and one of the key elements is good vision. In fact, it has been estimated that as much as 80% of the learning a child does occurs through his/her eyes.
Scheduling annual eye exams with the children’s eye doctor is crucial to ensure that your child’s vision is functioning properly so that tasks such as homework and participation in sports don’t suffer.
At our Calgary eye clinic, our kid’s eye doctors offer comprehensive vision correction services such as eye exams, a wide range of eyeglasses as well as contact lenses to ensure that your child’s vision stays safe and comfortable.
So Your Teen Won’t Wear His/Her Eyeglasses? Follow These Great Tips!
Have you been told your teen needs glasses after the latest eye exam? Getting used to wearing something new isn’t always easy and eyeglasses pose unique challenges (for adolescents and parents alike.)
However, by enlisting the help of your children’s eye doctor, there are some ways which you can help your teenager feel comfortable in their new eyeglasses:
Check the fit
There can be several reasons for your teen’s reluctance to wear their new eyeglasses and one of the major ones is an uncomfortable fit. Before you leave the optometrist’s office, make sure the kid’s eye doctor checks:
The fit behind the ears (if they are too tight, it becomes painful to wear)
Whether the eyeglasses are too loose or are slipping down your child’s nose
That the eyeglasses are not grazing the cheeks or eyelashes
Even if your child loves the frames they have chosen, they will likely not wear their eyeglasses if the fit is not optimal.
Get them involved
Any kid’s eye doctor will tell you that if your child loves his/her eyeglasses, they will be more likely to wear them. Letting your child have a say in which frames are chosen will make them feel even more empowered and excited to wear them.
Practice positive reinforcement
Did your teenager just put on their glasses without having to be asked? Or were they on their best behavior during the latest eye exam? It’s important to let your child know when they are doing a good job and reward them with their favorite meal, game or experience.
You’ll be shocked how quickly they’ll want to wear their eyeglasses again!
Start slowly
Ask any children’s eye doctor and they will tell you that it may take some time for your teenager to adjust to their new prescription. If your child is refusing to wear his/her glasses, it’s important to be patient and supportive.
Try introducing the new eyeglasses slowly and for shorter periods of time (preferably during activities they enjoy such as watching their favorite movie or when they’re using the computer.) Take the time to explain how eyeglasses are important for their health and safety.
Building positive experiences with your teenager’s new frames will make them want to wear them more and more.
Still having trouble getting your teen to wear his/her eyeglasses?
Teenagers & Contact Lenses
For teenagers who are self-conscious about wearing their eyeglasses, contact lenses can be a great option.
They offer many benefits over eyeglasses including:
- Better vision
- Improved performance in sports and other activities
- Opting for contact lenses with UV protection has been proven to reduce children’s risk of eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration later on in their lifetime
- Higher self-esteem and confidence about their appearance
However, before deciding on whether contact lenses are the right option for your teenager, it’s crucial to speak to a children’s eye doctor. Through a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting, your optometrist can help determine if contact lenses are a suitable and safe choice for your child.
Call Now
To find out more about our eyeglasses and contact lenses for young patients, contact our Calgary children’s eye doctor at 403-286-4884 or book an eye exam today.
