My child says glasses doesn't help him. Should we insist he wears them?
MAR 10, 2014
Question:
My 7-year-old son was prescribed glasses a year ago after "failing" his 6 year well-child checkup. This came as quite a surprise as he is an advanced reader, does very well at school and plays sports without issue. After a year he still insists that the glasses don't help. He will wear them because he is a good boy. He says they make things bigger but that it doesn't make it any easier. He is a bright boy and I believe he is telling the truth. Should we insist he wears them?
Answer:
Rather than insist that your child wear glasses that he feels do not help him, I suggest that you seek a second opinion. You child has probably been given a prescription for hyperopic (farsighted) glasses. Most children with mild hyperopia see well without glasses and therefore do not need glasses. There are variations in practice patterns among different types of eye care providers regarding what level of hyperopic glasses should be prescribed. A second opinion can help you to make an appropriate decision regarding glasses.