Should My 8-Year-Old Son Wear Glasses for His Vision Issues?

Q: Should My 8-Year-Old Son Wear Glasses for His Vision Issues?

I recommend that you： 1. <br>Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to address the symptoms and determine if further examinations are necessary. <br>2. <br>Consider seeking treatment from other medical institutions as well. <br>Thank you, and wishing yo

Should a third-grade boy wear glasses?

My son is 8 years old and in the third grade.
He has had vision issues since around second grade, failing his vision screening.
He has been receiving dilated eye exams at a nearby ophthalmology clinic and has been monitored for astigmatism and mild myopia.
I recall that one eye is likely not myopic but has astigmatism, while the other eye has myopia ranging from -0.50 to -1.00, along with astigmatism.
However, his vision has consistently been poor, approximately 0.3 to 0.4 in unaided vision.
In late September, during a follow-up, the doctor mentioned that the refraction had not changed, but his performance on the vision chart was worse.
The doctor said fluctuations are normal.
Recently, my child has been frequently watching TV at an angle, and when I correct him, he squints.
The doctor said this is normal, as he has mild myopia, which can cause him to look at an angle.
I have a few questions for the doctor:
1.
Given that he often watches TV at an angle or squints when not, and the doctor mentioned he can see well in class (since he sits in the middle to front row), should he be wearing glasses? If glasses are not necessary, will frequently watching at an angle or squinting affect his eye health? Should I correct him?
2.
I am considering having him wear glasses only while watching TV, as he can see well in class and does not need them for close work like homework.
This way, he won't be inclined to watch TV at an angle.
However, will wearing glasses lead to a rapid increase in his prescription? Or will he struggle to see clearly without glasses after he starts wearing them?
Thank you, doctor.

xing fu, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/14

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology

I recommend that you: 1.
Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to address the symptoms and determine if further examinations are necessary.
2.
Consider seeking treatment from other medical institutions as well.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2022/10/14

More Info

When considering whether your 8-year-old son should wear glasses for his vision issues, there are several important factors to take into account. Based on the information provided, your son has been diagnosed with astigmatism and mild myopia, with visual acuity measurements around 0.3 and 0.4. His recent eye exams have shown some fluctuations in vision, which can be common in children as their eyes develop.

1. Should He Wear Glasses?
The recommendation from the eye doctor that your son does not yet need glasses because he can see well enough in class is a common approach. However, the fact that he often squints or tilts his head to see the television suggests that he may be straining his eyes. This behavior can lead to discomfort and may potentially affect his eye health over time.
While the doctor mentioned that it is normal for children to have some fluctuations in vision, it is essential to monitor these changes closely. If your son continues to exhibit signs of visual discomfort, such as squinting or tilting his head, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion or request a more thorough evaluation.

2. Impact of Not Wearing Glasses
If your son is not wearing glasses and is frequently squinting or tilting his head, this could lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Over time, these habits might affect his visual development. While it is not uncommon for children to adapt to their vision challenges, consistent eye strain is not ideal. Therefore, it would be advisable to correct this behavior, as it may help prevent further complications.

3. Wearing Glasses Only for Specific Activities
Your idea of having your son wear glasses only while watching television or during specific activities is reasonable. However, it is crucial to ensure that he is comfortable with this arrangement. If he finds that wearing glasses improves his ability to see clearly, it may encourage him to wear them more consistently.
Regarding the concern that wearing glasses might lead to a rapid increase in his prescription, research indicates that wearing corrective lenses does not cause an increase in myopia. In fact, wearing glasses can help reduce eye strain and may prevent further deterioration of vision. However, if he becomes reliant on glasses, he may find it challenging to see clearly without them. This is a common concern among parents, but it is essential to balance the need for clear vision with the potential for dependency.

Conclusion
In summary, while your son may not currently require glasses for everyday activities, the signs of visual discomfort he exhibits suggest that he could benefit from corrective lenses, especially during activities that require clear vision, such as watching television or reading. It is essential to monitor his vision closely and maintain regular check-ups with an eye care professional. If his symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary.

Encouraging good visual habits, such as taking breaks during screen time and ensuring proper lighting while reading, can also contribute to his overall eye health. Ultimately, the decision to use glasses should be made in consultation with an eye care professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your son's specific needs.

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