First pair of glasses for DS10 question

[ColinCodyMom]

My DS10 went to the eye doctor today and he is nearsighted which is what I was expecting. WOW, glasses are expensive! Anyways, I sat there during the eye exam and I'm wondering from anyone with experience how they get the right prescription for kids. I'm pretty sure he was confused about when to say it's better or worse and it all happened so fast that I'm worried I just spent that much money for something that won't be right. I'm sure they must be pretty confident when writing prescriptions, right? My son is now worried that they won't be right because what if he answered worse when it was better... It was pretty confusing and definitely went quick. I guess I'm looking for anyone with experience on this. Should I be concerned that the prescription won't be "right" for him? I don't think I'd be worrying if they didn't cost so darn much! This is his first pair of glasses BTW. Thanks!

 

[erincon23]

Don't worry. They're used to dealing with kids, and believe me, the choices aren't that overwhelming when they're looking through that machine. The kids are usually amazed when the get the glasses at how different things look -- kids usually don't know that they're not really seeing things correctly anyway. If you're concerned, make sure you buy the glasses from a place that will make corrections (don't know if you went to a private optometrist or a place like Lenscrafters -- if you went to Lenscrafters for your exam, if the glasses are bad they'll reexamine and figure out the problem and make new glasses).

Yes, they are VERY expensive, but there are many places that are a lot cheaper for the glasses -- Costco has glasses for about $65, frames, lenses and all. Lenscrafters gives a big discount to kids' glasses and a guarantee on breakage (we've only had to use that once, but it saved a ton of money). Both my boys got glasses when they were about 7 or 8, and neither of them really understood how poorly they were seeing until they got the glasses.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Don't worry. They're used to dealing with kids, and believe me, the choices aren't that overwhelming when they're looking through that machine. The kids are usually amazed when the get the glasses at how different things look -- kids usually don't know that they're not really seeing things correctly anyway. If you're concerned, make sure you buy the glasses from a place that will make corrections (don't know if you went to a private optometrist or a place like Lenscrafters -- if you went to Lenscrafters for your exam, if the glasses are bad they'll reexamine and figure out the problem and make new glasses).

Yes, they are VERY expensive, but there are many places that are a lot cheaper for the glasses -- Costco has glasses for about $65, frames, lenses and all. Lenscrafters gives a big discount to kids' glasses and a guarantee on breakage (we've only had to use that once, but it saved a ton of money). Both my boys got glasses when they were about 7 or 8, and neither of them really understood how poorly they were seeing until they got the glasses.

Thanks for the quick reply! We went to a private optometrist. I hope I didn't make the wrong choice. Yikes! I think I'll call in the morning and ask them about what happens if they aren't "right" for him. They said they would be in by Friday so maybe that means they would be easy to do. I don't know anything about it. I just know sometimes he would ask if it was better or worse and then he would switch it around. It was confusing, even for me. I appreciate the help.

 

[emma'smom]

My dd5 just got her first pair of glasses 3 weeks ago. There was no way she could really give an accurate "better", "worse" reaction of the lense tests. We are going back this week to check the prescription. However, it's like a new kid...she won't take the glasses off because she can see so much better now.

 

[Mimi1965]

I use walmart's Optomistrist-lots cheaper than my old private Dr

 

[Tiger926]

Your son is 10, so I guess I'm not following how he could be confused about how to answer the questions?

My son got glasses at right before 2 years old, and his sister was 3. That is way younger than 10, and they did fine. They answered the questions they could answer, and doc took care of the rest. If glasses aren't correct, our docs will re-do prescription, so check out that option as well.

I'm sure your son will be fine - all 4 of us wear glasses, so that's thousands of dollars every 2 years for glasses, so I know that glasses are expensive as we all wear Transition lenses as well.

Take care, and good sight to your boy! Tiger

 

[NAB]

Don't worry about that , I hate that part of the test myself. Really when they switch back and forth it is really hard because they are so close.

My guess is the doctor got his answers or he would keep asking him if he is sure that one is better then the other.

It will be fine. You will know when he picks up the glasses and your child is really surprised how clear things should be. But he will have to get used to them too.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Your son is 10, so I guess I'm not following how he could be confused about how to answer the questions?

Thanks for the reply. Yes, he's 10 but how fast-paced this exam was has him worried. It would be different if every question was which is better but they were mixed up. Sometimes which is better and sometimes which is worse. It was really confusing. I can see how he'd be concerned and since they cost so much, I'm concerned. We'll see I guess. I'm going to call in the morning to be sure.

Also, I chose the private optometrist thinking it would be a better choice for him because he's a kid. It's great to hear that others have used Lenscrafters and other discount vision places and have been fine. Maybe I should've asked that question here a few days ago.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Don't worry about that , I hate that part of the test myself. Really when they switch back and forth it is really hard because they are so close.

My guess is the doctor got us answers or he would keep asking him if he is sure that one is better then the other.

It will be fine. You will know when he picks up the glasses and your child is really surprised how clear things should be. But he will have to get used to them too.

That's what I was hoping to hear. I figured he must've been somewhat sure to finish the exam. I can't wait to see the difference in his vision. It's been bugging him and I'm thankful relief should be around the corner. Thanks for the reply!

 

[design_mom]

My son, now 10, has been wearing glasses since he was 14 months old. At that age, the ophthalmologist didn't even ask him which was better or worse. For the most part, I think they can tell what prescription he needs by looking at how his eye reacts to the lenses.

I always have trouble with the "which is better: A or B" portion of my eye exam, too. They're either so close together that I can hardly tell the difference, or one option is smaller but crisper and the other is bigger but not quite as crisp. I think of it this way: if you can't really tell which one is better, then there probably isn't a "wrong" answer.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

My son, now 10, has been wearing glasses since he was 14 months old. At that age, the ophthalmologist didn't even ask him which was better or worse. For the most part, I think they can tell what prescription he needs by looking at how his eye reacts to the lenses.

I always have trouble with the "which is better: A or B" portion of my eye exam, too. They're either so close together that I can hardly tell the difference, or one option is smaller but crisper and the other is bigger but not quite as crisp. I think of it this way: if you can't really tell which one is better, then there probably isn't a "wrong" answer.

Thank you. I'm so glad I asked the question! I had absolutely no idea since it's new to us but I'm relieved after hearing everyone's experiences. I'll still call in the morning just to ask but in the meantime, I appreciate the replies.

 

[Squirrel!!!]

I have worn glasses since I was 2 as has my DD10, so am well versed in the better/worse, 1 or 2 thing. Next time before you go since you know no what to expect remind your son it is okay to not know and to answer, "I don't know" or "neither".

My daughter would get all flipped out feeling she was failing a test if she couldn't tell which was better. Kids are such over achievers.

I go to a private place for her eyeglasses, but costco for mine. How funny is that?

 

[wdwmom2]

It's not just the kids that wonder if #1 or #2 is better. I am 45 and just went for my first eye exam EVER!!! I just thought it was about time to go in for a baseline exam and see if there were any problems. There was one set of sentences that I made the optometrist go back and forth several times, and even then, I changed my mind at what looked clearer!!!

I do need reader's just for that, reading. I even felt that my distance wasn't that bad, even though DH's is definitely better than mine. Well, glasses came in. I went back to the place to pick them up, put them on and looked out the large front window to a place across the street quite a distance away, and couldn't believe how clear everything was!!! I was really strange, almost like watching a 3-D movie.

Because I wasn't planning on wearing them all the time, the optometrist didn't recommend bifocals. Just to continue wearing store-bought readers. Now I wish that I would have done the bifocals, as I wear them more than I expected!!!

If it were my child, when you go back in to pick up the glasses, I would ask if they could do a quicky recheck of his vision. There has to be something that they can do to make sure that your son has the best prescription that he can get.

 

[golfgal]

They will also test his vision with the new glasses on when he gets them so that is how they know if they are "right". Our DS15 has had glasses since the spring if 1st grade (wears contacts now) and has never had an issue with them being "wrong".

Since you already ordered them it is too late but for the next pair, get the titanium ones with the bendable frames so you aren't in the eye dr office every other week getting them adjusted as they get knocked off his face on the playground, etc. We got DS15 contacts when he was 9, almost 10, for this very reason. I wish I had done that sooner actually. Now when his prescription changes, yearly for him right now, we just get new lenses in his frames because he only wears his glasses before bed.

 

[MushyMushy]

I hate the better/worse thing myself! But in the 30+ years I've been getting glasses, I've only ever had to return one pair. These docs know what they're doing, so there shouldn't be a problem.

Also, check out Zennioptical on google for eyeglasses. Make sure to pick up your son's prescription when you get his glasses, and give this site a try. They have glasses starting at $8 (including lenses!). My husband and I just spent less than $60 on 3 pairs of prescription sunglasses through this site and the glasses are fantastic.

I wish I'd known about it when my son was growing up. We were constantly having to shell out hundreds of dollars for replacements for the ones he broke.

 

[bananda]

don't worry about the prescription. chances are. he'll need new lenses in a few years. my optometrist says your eyes deteriorate more when you're growing, and how much time you spend on the computer or reading also has a big effect.

 

[Magpie]

My whole family is in glasses. My daughter got her first pair of glasses when she was four. I asked our doctor about the "better/worse" thing and she said that it's not that important.

She's actually listening for hesitation on the part of the person being tested. For instance, if the prescription is very close, then a person will pause and say either, "Better?" or "Worse?" in a way that indicates that they're not sure. It's not the answer she's listening for, it's that pause. That's what tells her what she needs to know.

My doctor reminds the kids that there's no wrong answers. And she does it FAST, because she doesn't want them squinting or thinking before they answer. She wants that first "gut" reaction.

Oh... and she also always checks each lens a couple times, in different orders, because if the patient gives different answers, that's another a clue for her.

 

[MickeySP]

He should be fine. Just tell him when he gets glasses fitted to be honest and not afraid to say how he really sees.

I use WalMart and have had great success with them. I wear contacts now but glasses since 12. Cheaper price is not always mean cheaper servie.

Oh and they now take my insurance, so whole exam cost $20.!!

 

[ChrisAlli]

I would also suggest maybe going to Walmart or other discount location for the "back-up" pair.

If something happens to the new pair, needs to be fixed or whatever, that could take a few days, it's nice to have a back-up so he won't go without glasses.

 

[ColinCodyMom]

Thanks everyone! You all are great. It's made me feel better, that's for sure. I will definitely look into getting a spare pair. I know the pair he did choose is bendable and spring loaded. Glasses sure have come a long way; very stylish. He's excited for them! Thanks again! I appreciate the advice!