If you’re struggling to keep those glasses on your child’s face, you’ve probably tried everything you can think of to convince them.

Even if your child understands how important their glasses are to their future vision, they may not want to wear them.  This is especially important if you child has a condition like amblyopia (lazy eye) or esotropia (crossed eyes), or has to wear bifocals to correct a muscle problem.  The problem will not resolve on its own—the glasses are a must.

Below are some tips to help your child keep their glasses on their face:

Frames 

Let your child choose their own frame, whether you hate it or not.  The goal is for the child to wear the glasses, not to pass fashion muster in your eyes.  Most optical shops have colorful kid-trendy frames, with characters from favorite cartoons.  Some frames are even glow-in-the-dark!

Consider letting a child’s friend come along to choose the frame.  Peer opinions matter more than we like to think.

Cases and Accessories

Let them pick their own glasses case—styles are available with glitter, denim, baseball logos, even mini-purse styles, complete with mirrors.  Decorative cases can be obtained for less than ten dollars.

Forgo straps and accessories meant to hold the frames in place unless it is absolutely necessary.  If it’s unavoidable, choose a removable style so the strap can be worn only during sports, but not classes.

Consider cool add-ons, like Transitions lenses, colorful, light tints and magnetized sunglass clips.

Lenses

Purchase the lightweight lenses.  This makes the glasses more comfortable to wear.  In addition, the lightweight, polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant, and will protect your child’s eyes in case of an accident.

If you child needs bifocals, spring for the line-less lenses.  Progressive no-lines provide better vision, and can reduce the added stigma of a bifocal lens.

Comfort

Be sure the frame is adjusted properly.  A frame that fits poorly is uncomfortable, and no kid wants to wear crooked glasses.  Don’t try to adjust it yourself—bring it to an optical shop.

Have larger vinyl nose-pads replaced with smaller silicone ones, made to fit a child’s smaller nose.  This improves both appearance and comfort.

Famous Glasses

Try to remove the stigma of wearing glasses.  Point out actors on television shows sporting glasses, or pictures in magazines.  Remind your child that glasses make them look smart.

Positive Reinforcement

Do not tolerate teasing from siblings, teachers or family members.  Four-eyes jokes have never been funny.

Just as you would reward good grades, reward a week of glasses-wear with a treat like a sleep-over or trip to the ice cream shop.