Over the winter holiday we saw a lot of kids and fit a lot of “first pairs of glasses.” It is a thrill for everyone at Westside Optometry to see a child’s face light up when he or she puts on the glasses for the first time. Usually, she is a little surprised at the new vision, but a smile quickly follows as she tries to look at everything, running to the window, picking up magazines, and especially looking in the mirror.
Because children mimic what they see, I encourage parents to set a good example and attitude about how to wear and care for the new glasses. Here are some suggestions:
- Use both hands when taking glasses off to protect the hinges.
- Do not try to bend any part of the frames. If the glasses feel too tight or loose, bring them to our office for adjustment.
- Never place your glasses anywhere they can be stepped or sat on.
- Do not let anyone play or try on your glasses.
- Keep your glasses in their case when you are not wearing them.
- Clean your glasses with water and a soft cloth, not your shirt.
If your child plays sports, remember that regular glasses do not provide protection from injury. Make sure your child wears the right kind of sports safety eyewear at all times when playing sports.