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?

Hello, Happiness： 1. <br>This situation should be corrected. <br>2. <br>If you wear glasses while watching TV, you may not need to wear them during class if you can see clearly, and you also do not need to wear them while doing homework. <br>Your prescription will not increase as

Should my son 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 follow-up care at a nearby ophthalmology clinic, where he was dilated and monitored.
He has astigmatism and mild myopia.
I recall that one eye is likely not myopic but has astigmatism, while the other eye is estimated to have myopia between -0.50 to -1.00 diopters, along with astigmatism.
However, his vision tests have consistently shown poor results, with unaided vision around 0.3 to 0.4.

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 quite normal.
Recently, my child has been frequently watching television at an angle, and when I correct him, he squints.
When I asked the doctor about this, he said it is normal for him to tilt his head slightly due to mild myopia.
I inquired whether he should wear glasses, and the doctor said he hasn't reached the prescription level that requires glasses, as long as he can see well enough in class or during normal activities.
However, they did increase the concentration of the dilating drops slightly this time.
I would like to ask the following:
1.
I notice he often tilts his head while watching TV, and if he doesn't tilt, he squints.
The doctor mentioned he can see well in class (since he sits in the middle to front row).
Should he be wearing glasses? If he doesn't need glasses, will frequently tilting his head or squinting affect his eye health? Should I correct this behavior?
2.
I am considering having him wear glasses only while watching TV.
If he can see well in class, he wouldn't need to wear them, and he wouldn't need them for close-up work like homework.
This way, he wouldn't be tilting his head while watching TV.
However, will wearing glasses lead to a rapid increase in his prescription? Or will he struggle to see clearly without glasses if he gets used to wearing them?
Thank you, doctor.

xing fu, 0~9 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/10/18

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Happiness: 1.
This situation should be corrected.
2.
If you wear glasses while watching TV, you may not need to wear them during class if you can see clearly, and you also do not need to wear them while doing homework.
Your prescription will not increase as a result.
When not wearing glasses, your vision should remain the same as before.

Reply Date: 2022/10/18

More Info

When it comes to your 8-year-old son's vision issues, the decision on whether he should wear glasses is indeed a nuanced one. Based on the information you've provided, it appears that your son has been diagnosed with astigmatism and mild myopia, with visual acuity around 0.3 to 0.4. While the eye doctor has indicated that he does not yet require glasses for his current level of vision, there are several factors to consider regarding his eye health and development.

1. Should He Wear Glasses?
Given that your son often squints or tilts his head to see better, this may indicate that he is struggling to see clearly, especially at a distance. While the doctor mentioned that he can see well enough in class (presumably because he sits closer to the front), the fact that he is experiencing discomfort when watching television or focusing on distant objects suggests that he may benefit from corrective lenses.
Wearing glasses can help alleviate the strain on his eyes and may prevent further deterioration of his vision. While the doctor has stated that he does not yet need glasses, it is essential to monitor his symptoms closely. If he continues to squint or tilt his head, it may be worth seeking a second opinion or discussing the possibility of glasses with your eye care provider.

2. Impact of Not Wearing Glasses
If your son continues to squint or tilt his head, it could lead to eye strain and discomfort. Over time, this could potentially affect his eye health, leading to issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye) if one eye is consistently favored over the other. It is advisable to correct this behavior, as it may become a habit that could impact his visual development.

3. Wearing Glasses Only for Specific Activities
Your idea of having him wear glasses only while watching television or during specific activities is a reasonable approach. However, it is essential to ensure that he wears them consistently enough to adapt to the correction. If he only wears glasses occasionally, he may find it challenging to adjust to them, and this could lead to discomfort or a feeling of dependency on them for clarity.
Regarding your concern about his prescription worsening due to wearing glasses, research indicates that wearing corrective lenses does not cause myopia to worsen. In fact, wearing glasses can help prevent further strain on the eyes, which may help maintain his current level of vision.

4. Long-Term Considerations
It's crucial to have regular eye examinations to monitor his vision. If he starts wearing glasses, ensure that he has follow-up appointments to assess whether his prescription needs to be adjusted. If he becomes accustomed to wearing glasses, it should not lead to a situation where he cannot see without them; rather, it should help him see better in all situations.

Conclusion
In summary, while your son's current prescription may not necessitate glasses according to his doctor, his symptoms suggest that he could benefit from wearing them, especially for activities like watching television. It is essential to correct any habits of squinting or tilting his head, as these could lead to further complications. Consider discussing the option of glasses with your eye care provider again, emphasizing your concerns about his visual habits and comfort. Regular follow-ups will be key in managing his vision and ensuring his eye health remains a priority.

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