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Does my child need spectacles, and how do we choose them?

Children rarely say that they cannot see. A child who has always seen the world a little blurred thinks that is how everyone sees it. That is why parents and teachers are often the first to notice a problem, and why eye checks in childhood matter even when a child does not complain.

Signs your child may need an eye test

• Sitting very close to the television or holding books and phones close to the face.
• Squinting, frowning, tilting the head or covering one eye to see.
• Difficulty reading the board at school, or copying wrongly from it.
• Headaches or tired eyes after school or homework.
• Rubbing the eyes a lot, or watering eyes.
• Losing the place while reading, or avoiding reading and close work.
• One eye that turns in, out, up or down, even now and then.

An eye that turns (a squint) needs to be seen by an eye doctor soon. It is not something a child grows out of, and it can lead to a lazy eye.

When should children have their eyes checked?

A check before starting school is a good idea for every child, and sooner if parents notice any of the signs above. Children with a family history of high spectacle power, squint or lazy eye should be checked earlier. Once a child wears spectacles, regular checks are needed, usually every 6 to 12 months. A children's eye check-up at ReNew Vision looks at vision, eye alignment and eye health as well as power.

The children's eye test

Children's eyes can focus so strongly that they hide their true power. For an accurate result, the eye doctor often puts in drops that relax the focusing muscles. These drops blur near vision and make bright light uncomfortable for several hours, and with some drops until the next day or longer, so avoid booking the test just before exams. Young children who do not yet know letters are tested with pictures or symbols. Read more about the eye test for glasses.

Why spectacles matter so much for children

Clear vision helps a child learn, play and move about safely. There is also a medical reason. If one eye is much more blurred than the other, or turns, the brain can start to ignore it, and that eye does not develop full sight. This is called a lazy eye (amblyopia). Spectacles are often the first treatment, sometimes together with patching the stronger eye. Treatment works better the younger the child is when it starts. ReNew Vision provides squint check-ups, squint surgery and lazy-eye treatment; see our eye specialities.

Choosing frames for children

• Fit, not room to grow: a frame that is too big slips down, and the child looks over the top of the lenses. Choose one that fits now.
• The bridge: children have small, low nose bridges. The frame should rest on the nose without sliding, which often means adjustable nose pads or a bridge shaped for children.
• Arms that hold: arms that curve well behind the ears, or wrap round them for toddlers, keep spectacles in place during play. A soft strap helps for small children and sport.
• Tough materials: flexible frames and spring hinges survive being sat on and pulled off with one hand.
• Safe lenses: polycarbonate lenses are very impact-resistant and block UV rays, with a hard coat against scratches.

Our guide to spectacle frames has more on materials and fit.

How often does a child's power change?

Short sight (minus power) often increases during the school years and tends to slow down in the late teens. Long sight (plus power) may lessen as a child grows. Because of this, a child's spectacles may need new lenses every year or two, and sometimes sooner. Do not wait for the child to complain: keep to the check-up dates the eye doctor gives you.

Can short sight in children be slowed?

Short sight in children is becoming more common, and screen time and long hours of near work are thought to play a part. Time outdoors in daylight is linked with a lower chance of children becoming short-sighted; many eye doctors suggest around two hours outdoors a day. Regular breaks from books and screens help too. For children whose power is increasing, there are treatments that may slow it down. Myopia control treatment for children is offered at ReNew Vision, and the eye doctor advises which option suits your child after examining the eyes. Deliberately giving a weaker power than needed does not slow short sight.

Getting a child to wear spectacles

• Let your child choose among the frames that fit well. Children wear what they like.
• Make putting spectacles on part of the morning routine, like brushing teeth.
• Praise them, and tell the class teacher so that the child is supported at school and can sit where the board is clear.
• If your child keeps looking over the top or taking them off, the fit or the power may be wrong. Come back for a check.
• Keep a case in the school bag, and a spare pair if the child cannot manage without spectacles.

School, sport and the monsoon

For football, cricket and other sport, a strap or sports eyewear with impact-resistant lenses protects both the child and the spectacles. In the monsoon, teach children to rinse their lenses with plain water and dry them with a soft cloth, not the corner of a school uniform, which scratches the lenses.

Common myths

• "Spectacles will make my child's eyes weaker." No. Spectacles do not change the eye. Power changes because the eye grows.
• "My child will become dependent on spectacles." A child needs spectacles because of the shape of the eye, not because of wearing them.
• "Eating carrots will remove the power." A healthy diet is good for children, but it does not remove spectacle power.

Children's spectacles in Vasco

The eye OPD at ReNew Vision Eye Hospital in Vaddem, Vasco is open Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm, which fits around the school day. The children's eye test, the eye health check and the choice of frames happen in the same eye hospital. See the Vision Correction Centre page, or call or WhatsApp 072489 88039.

Questions patients ask

Will wearing spectacles make my child's eyes weaker?

No. Spectacles do not weaken the eyes. A child's power changes as the eye grows, whether or not they wear spectacles. Wearing the right spectacles helps them see, learn and, in some cases, prevents a lazy eye.

How often should my child's eyes be checked?

Every child should have an eye check before starting school. Children who wear spectacles usually need a check every 6 to 12 months, or as the eye doctor advises, because their power can change as they grow.

Should my child wear spectacles all the time?

Follow the eye doctor's advice. Some children need them all day, especially if they have a squint or lazy eye; others need them mainly for the board, television or reading. Ask at the visit and write it down.

My child keeps taking the spectacles off. What should I do?

First check the fit and the power: spectacles that slip, pinch or have the wrong power are uncomfortable. If they fit well, make wearing them a routine, praise your child, and tell the teacher. Return to the Vision Correction Centre if the problem continues.

Can short sight in children be slowed?

Time outdoors in daylight and breaks from close work are linked with less short sight. For children whose power keeps increasing, there are treatments that may slow it, and the eye doctor will explain whether they suit your child.

This page is general eye-health information, not personal medical advice. Your eye doctor advises you after examining your eyes.