Would you put your toddler in glasses?

Question

We just went to the eye doctor with my 3.5 year old. She has an astigmatism in one eye, and her vision is about 20/60, one eye being worse than the other.

The doctor was on the fence about whether she should wear glasses. He gave us a prescription and said it was up to us. He said since she's so young and only in preschool, it's not hurting her because it's not like she has to look at a chalkboard. It might be more of a hassle than useful for her.

So 20/60 means that what people can see at 60 feet, she can only see at 20. Right?

Do you think that sucks, even for a toddler? I got glasses when I was about 10, and I remember how remarkable it was that trees weren't just giant blobs, lol. That's probably the only reason why I'd get glasses for her now... so she can see the details.

Answer 1

I've had glasses for a while too,but I think I got them too late. I don't like wearing glasses,but maybe if your child gets used to them early,it will be easier for her,you know. And Im not sure,but maybe giving her glasses early could prevent her vision from getting any worse. I know  squinting to see things isn't fun and gives me headaches,wouldn't want her to have to do that. And plus,being able to see more is always nice. It wouldn't hurt to try it though,would it?

Answer 2

My daughter turned 3 last month and has recently got glasses. My oldest is 6 and has also been wearing glasses since she was 3.

The opthamologist explained to me that although the child may not seem to need to wear glasses the idea behind it is that if they wear the glasses all the time now it can help to correct their sight so they may not have to wear them full time when they are older.

Once you're child reaches the age of 8 it becomes very difficult to correct these problems so yes I think you should get glasses for your child.

Answer 3

get her the glasses. By the time she is in school it will be second nature to wear them and they will not bother her. My son got them around age 3-4 due to bilateral lazy eye. the ophthalmologist told us that at that age they can focus through their eye problems, but it can cause their eyes to cross.

I think I just heard about a $50 kids glasses special at wal-mart. I would get either very cheap frames (and multiple pairs) or the higher quality frames that can be bent without breaking.

Answer 4

I would get them for her. I got mine when I was 14 ,I remember thinking the same thing about trees. I was like "Mom,I can see each individual leaf,instead of just blobs of leaves!" I was so happy. So,I would definitely get them for her,if I was you. She will thank you. I know I would.

I agree with the previous answerer,little kids with glasses are so cute!

Answer 5

I would absolutely get her glasses!

I didn't get them until I was about 10 also.  I LOVED them!  Just being able to see clear was the best thing ever :)

Answer 6

I think toddlers with glasses are one of the CUTEST things ive ever seen. I think she would appreciate clearer vision

Answer 7

I would get them for her, but only "make" her wear them at home. If she wants them for school, go for it. It is nice to be able to see, as you said. While her vision isn't so bad that the difference would be remarkable, it could help her pick up on some things more quickly than she would without them. Just be flexible.

Answer 8

Honestly, I think you should get her in glasses now. When she goes to kindergarten and first grade they will begin using the board, and she'll have to see it. Unless you can't afford them, I strongly think you should get them now. I got glasses when I was 7 because I couldn't see the board. My optometrist told my parents I needed them when I was 3, but they didn't think I needed them. I couldn't see ANYTHING in preschool, just fuzz...now at 17, I've got contacts.

Answer 9

I would get her glasses, my niece really missed out on great activities in preschool- kindergarten for the same reason- but no one knew she needed glasses till it finally became obvious after all the bumps and bruises and of course not coloring in the lines, that something was wrong, she got hers, i believe when she was 5 or 6.. It really made a difference.  It definitely sucks, but should be grateful that there is somewhat a solution.. :)  

Answer 10

get the glasses.

put them on her at home so she can get used to them

let her decide when she wants to wear them

encourage her to wear them for "reading" or colouring, but if she wants to run around the playground without them, leave her be

if she has them, and learns they are a benefit, she will choose to wear them.  

Answer 11

well yeah if my child needed them

Answer 12

I think your toddler would appreciate being able to see clearly.  She's young and curious now, and probably sees a lot of things as a blob.  I would go to Wal-Mart and pick out some cool Dora ones, or whomever she likes and start out by wearing them at home.  You could have her look at an object far away without the glasses, then have her put the glasses on and she will see how clear it gets.  She may not (or you) want to wear them out on the playground because it's potential for them to fall off and break but I would buy them just so she can see clear.   I always thought it was amazing when I went to the eye doctor and got my prescription updated and how clear everything was.