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Do You See What I See?
Diagnosing Vision Problems in Toddlers By Tamar K. Weiss
If your toddler does have an eye condition and glasses are suggested to you by your opthalmologist, there are a number of things to consider that will probably ease the process for both you and your toddler. Dr. Redmond suggests glasses with cable temples a flexible metal piece, which wraps around the back of the ear. This will help your toddler to keep them on. He also emphasizes that parents "be consistent with the requirement that the children wear their glasses," and to be generous with positive support. Wearing glasses will take some getting used to, and supportive and encouraging behavior on the part of the parents and older siblings is really important.
If the need for glasses is great enough, your toddler may make no argument about wearing them at all. Kate* noted that her toddler's glasses were the first thing he reached for in the morning and the last thing he put down before sleep, so greatly was his vision improved by them. This toddler, who also had eye-hand coordination difficulties as a result of his vision problem, was also encouraged by his parents to participate in activities that would help him build up the coordination, while not threatening his self-esteem (martial arts and computer-related activities). Rachel*, the mother of a particularly active little girl, could barely get her daughter to remove the glasses because she was finally able to participate, with skills that she was until then unaware of, in a range of energetic activities.
Although eye diseases and conditions, depending on their severity, may be somewhat difficult to deal with, you are doing your children a great service through your awareness of symptoms and early detection of possible problems. If you need help, consult the AAO's list of support groups at Eyenet.com. Your attentiveness may help to ensure your child's good health and greater quality of life.
* names have been changed