giving thanks
November 24, 2011
5 comments
In honor of Thanksgiving Day here in the US tomorrow, I’ve been thinking about what I’m thankful for:
A pediatrician who took seriously our concerns about Zoe’s eyes crossing.- A pediatric ophthalmologist who we trust, and who really spends time with Zoe and knows her and her eyes.
- Patient opticians who have adjusted Zoe’s glasses countless times, and who have provided so much wonderful advice on the selection and care of glasses.
- Microfiber cloths, that are scattered throughout our house, so they’re always on hand to clean the always dirty lenses.
- Glasses that help Zoe see (and that are darn cute to boot)
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! What are you thankful for?
Categories: day in, day out, glasses
thanksgiving
Survey about frames for parents in the UK
November 18, 2011
5 comments
I just received this request from Arlene who is interested in finding ways to make a greater selection of frames available in the UK. She would love to have any parents in the UK fill out the linked survey. -Ann Z
I am a mummy of two great children one of whom needed glasses just before her 3rd birthday I was disappointed to discover the lack of choice and availability in Scotland and the UK. Every high street and local opticians have a small selection of children’s frames which are usually less than exciting. Detailed research has uncovered a huge choice of children’s frames spread all over the world, I would like to bring these together in an online shop featuring fun and funky eye wear to make wearing glasses exciting. My dream is to one day have a high street opticians dedicated to the junior eyewear market. I am currently running a survey to test the market in the UK, I would be very grateful if would take the time to complete this short survey. Many thanks Arlene Wilson (Rhys and Zoe’s Mummy)
Categories: glasses
New links and website that’s gone
November 15, 2011
2 comments
A couple of links to check out, and one website that no longer exists…
These links will both be added to our Gear page:
- I just learned of the site Children Wearing Glasses a couple of weeks ago (it was posted on the facebook page, but I can’t find the post again, so I can’t give credit where it’s due – sorry!). Then yesterday, the owner of the site contacted me and gave me a bit more information. It is a Danish site, and she’s tried to collect a huge variety of items for kids in glasses – that includes toys, accessories, glasses cases and more. There’s a lot of cute stuff there. The prices include VAT, if you’re not in the EU, the Danish VAT will be deducted from the price.
- I also learned of product called SPEC-WRAP which is a colorful and protective sleeve for the earpieces and temples of glasses. It lets you change the color of the earpieces of the glasses on a temporary basis. Due to small pieces, they are not recommended for children under five, however.
and this one will be taken off our resources page…
- Babies with glasses (babieswithglasses.org) appears to be gone. This was the site that, had I known it existed back in March of 2008, I might not have started Little Four Eyes. It had quite a few articles and a forum for support targeted at parents of babies in glasses, it also had some cute shirts for kids in glasses. I am not sure when it went away, but I noticed the URL no longer worked last week. This week I noticed that typing in the URL redirects you here to Little Four Eyes. I am flattered that the webmaster did this – we’d never really interacted much, though I posted to the forum on occasion. In any case, a big welcome to anyone who was going to babieswithglasses and finds themselves here! I hope you’ll introduce yourself and stay for a while.
Categories: babies with glasses, resources
babieswithglasses, childrenwithglasses, spec-wrap
reader question – child with strabismus closing one eye in the sunlight
November 15, 2011
7 comments
Ingrid wrote me with the following question:
I’m wondering if any parents of children with intermittent exotropia notice that their child constantly closes one eye in sunlight? Of all that we go though with Paris’s eyes, including patching, this for me is the thing that bugs me and bothers me the most. Especially as we live in Australia and it is always sunny!As soon as we walk outdoors she closes her exotropic eye, so she is closing it a large part of the day. I have tried sun glasses but she really doesn’t want to wear them. I am thinking of getting transition lenses? Has anyone got any advice on what to do? Is this something that can be rectified. It is really distressing to see her with one eye closed a good part of the day!
Here’s the thing, Zoe does the same thing, though she has esotropia, not exotropia. Has anyone else noticed this with their child? We’ve both asked our POs and not gotten much of an explanation.
Categories: strabismus (misaligned eyes)
So your child thinks their nose pads are gummy bears…
November 11, 2011
3 comments
This question came in as a comment from Misty on the last post. Danielle was kind enough to write up a reply. -Ann Z
Question:
My 26 month old son chews on the rubber nosepads on his metal frames. I’ve lost count on how many times we’ve had them replaced. Nothing seems to work. The tech at the doctor says that he’s going to have to start charging me for them since we’ve cost them a small fortune. I’ve tried soaking them in vinegar so he doesn’t like the taste and we’ve given him other things to chew on. Nothing has worked. Any suggestions.
…
Answer:
No worries, any optician who has dealt with children knows that this happens from time to time. It is just a phase or a new habit. Quite frankly, I know that it is more bothersome for the parent then it is for me. Changing nose pads only takes a few minutes and they cost pennies for me, but as a mom and a dad you have to take the time to come in and deal with the scrapes on your child’s nose because the pads are all chewed up. I know this is frustrating, but there is something you can do 
First, let me explain that there are several types of nose pads. Each one is made out of a different material. I’ll list them here from the softest and more comfortable pads to the hardest pads (or we could say from the chewiest to least chewiest)
- Silicone
- Silicone with metal insert
- Vinyl
- Vinyl with metal insert
- Solid Plastic
- Solid Metal
The plan is to start from the top of the list and work your way down until you find the pad that your child doesn’t want to chew on any longer. I guarantee you child will not be able to chew the solid metal ones. I know the temptation is to go right to the solid metal ones, but I have found this is not the best approach. The softer nose pads are more comfortable and as you go down each level you are giving up some on comfort. The last thing we want is your child to not want to wear their glasses because they are uncomfortable. Once your child stops chewing for a couple of weeks the habit will be broken and you can return to the softer pads.
Categories: day in, day out, toddlers with glasses
Question and answer with Danielle
November 5, 2011
5 comments
This question was posted a few months ago on the facebook group by Leah. I forwarded the question on to Danielle Crull, a master optician who specializes in children’s glasses. Here’s the original question, and Miss Danielle’s answer. -Ann Z
Question:
Does anyone have difficulty with a flat nasal bridge? Nolan’s glasses sit too low because he has a depressed nasal bridge, and he looks over the top of his glasses a lot. He has amblyopia and we’re trying to avoid patching, but since he almost always looks OVER the lenses, I doubt the glasses are doing much good! Any suggestions??
Nolan's glasses slipping down his nose
Answer from Danielle:
“I definitely understand a parent’s frustration with glasses slipping down on children with flat bridges. In fact, most kids don’t have much of a bridge at all. First of all, it’s important to know that in a properly fitted pair of glasses the nose holds about 90% of the weight of the glasses. The other 10% is distributed behind both of the ears. So when your child has a very flat bridge or very small bridge, we need to make sure that the ears have the right size temples fit behind them. To help with that, you can have your child fit with comfort cables. The comfort cable will carry more weight of the frame behind the ear and then distribute it evenly around the entire ear, keeping your child from getting marks behind his ears. Frames that have two seperate nose pieces give the best possibility of fitting well on a flat nose bridge. It is also important that those nose pads stay in adjustment or the glasses will begin to slip down. That means you may need to get more frequent adjustments! Again the comfort cables will hold the gap when the nose pieces get bent out, minimizing the slipping.
What I’m trying to say is that it may not be the way the bridge fits as much as it is how the temples fit. Parent’s should make sure that both the temples and bridge are fit properly and don’t be afraid to go back in when your child get’s their glasses a little askew “
. . .
Leah sent a follow up note to say: “We found that her advice is perfect – we have cable arms and they are snug enough to help with the ‘slippage.’ He also has the saddle-nose bridge piece. We had to get wire frames to fit alongside the hearing aids, but everything is fitting together very well now!”
Categories: toddlers with glasses
reader post – growing up with a cataract
November 4, 2011
2 comments
Cyndi Lee left this as a comment this morning about her experiences as a child with a cataract. She gave me permission to re-post it here. Many thanks to her for sharing. -Ann Z
This is my first time writing anything about my cataracts…. I’m now 41, but I was born with a cataract only in my left eye. My right eye is still 20/20 (God is fair) and as much as I’ve joked to my doctors that they should use me in their thesis, no one takes me seriously. For one, I know the difference between being legally blind vs 20/20 and I can EXPLAIN to the adult world the cons and pros. So for those who are in need of some sanity for their child, read on.
A cataract is exactly like seeing objects underwater in a swimming pool. You see the object and can identity but it’s not crystal clear. I also had a lazy eye – that comes with the territory with most cataract cases in early childhood due to the lack of muscle usage. I’ve had a semi-successful surgery only because I waited too long. The procedure was not as advanced as it is today to fix the lazy eye syndrome related to cataract, but still I’m so grateful and happy for the surgery. The early years, I had to wear the “pirate” black eye piece to school which I endured great ridicule from the students and from which I still have nostalgic scars, BUT my strong parental influence and my brother being next to me had made all the difference in the world. Although in hindsight I would tell a “story” behind the patch, such as “my eye needs rest because I have extra vision like superman”….Something to that line to ease the ridicule…comedy is the best remedy. Encouragement and making sure the eye patch is “fashionable” due to the fact no one else has it makes it special!! Having a degree in fashion has definitely made me realize that being different is the key! It’s the love, support and encouragement the family shows that sketches out the future of the child. My mother still carries the guilt as though she had done terribly wrong during pregnancy but I always tell her I’m blessed as I have a 20/20 vision on my right eye versus the astigmatism my brother has on both eyes.
I underwent a retinal detachment surgery 3 years ago, I went in for a normal checkup and went into the emergency room that night. The damage was severe but the surgery was very successful. I did lose some sense of depth perception and some peripheral vision but my eyesight improved by one line on the chart which the doctor couldn’t explain. No one had ever educated or warned me about the retinal detachment that are prone to happen to people with cataracts, so I would advise any parent to always remember to ask during checkup as their child gets older. I did see flashes during the night while driving and spider web like floating around but thought it was just due to aging. Don’t be alarmed as I still have a tiny “floater” after the surgery but I received results from two specialized doctors and they said it was fine.
The recovery, was tedious, boring and restless! One must sleep facing down ( two weeks for me ) my mom and I’ve tried everything until we came up with a solution. Bought a massage table with the open headrest from Costco and placed a huge mirror under me angled towards the TV so I could at least be entertained and now there’s iPads. The recovery is very important as one can lose their vision if not properly taken care. It is imperative after this surgery to always have a doctor’s visit at least once a year if not twice just to be safe.
Categories: amblyopia (lazy eye), babies with glasses, cataracts, patching
Spectacularly spooky spectacles (Halloween photo round-up)
November 2, 2011
2 comments
I had too much fun going through my email inbox these past couple of days. The pictures everyone sent in of their children all dressed up for Halloween are beyond cute. So without further ado, here they are, enjoy! (And if you have a picture you want added, send it my way, I’ll try to get it up – ann @ shinypebble . com)
Zoe, in her outfit as "Zoe princess"
Sukkot and Halloween at the office
Glamorous Glowing Glasses
a blue witch
9 month old, Madeline Christine as a Baby Blossom for her first trick or treating at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
little shark Judd...so handsome
Santa's little helper took a day off to take part of Halloween's Trick or Treat Party.
spectacled halloween cuteness
Under the Sea Specs (also, awesome pumpkin! - Ann Z)
Superman wore glasses!
Ms. Abby, who turned 6 in September - she wanted to be a vampire bat for halloween - so one old black umbrella for "wings" later - and, voila - one very, scary vampire bat!!
Kathryn, 10 months old
Simon dressed as DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba! We figured that since he already wore glasses he'd love this costume too. Simon gets comments on how cute he is in his glasses all the time. This costume just made him that much more awesome.
Here's Nathan as a St. Bernard Puppy!
Mikey as 'Woody"
James (3) with big brother Sam (8). James is wearing Sam's costume from 5 year ago!
Karson (6) as a racecar driver in his glasses and Kendyl (13 months) as a bumblebee.
Categories: babies with glasses, kids with glasses, toddlers with glasses
halloween, pictures
Call for Halloween pics!
October 30, 2011
Leave a comment
Goblins in glasses? Bespectacled beasties? I’d love to do a post featuring pictures of our kids all decked out for Halloween – or any other glasses-related decorations. Send me your pictures, with whatever caption you’d like added to it to ann @ shinypebble . com (take out the spaces).
Categories: babies with glasses, kids with glasses, toddlers with glasses
halloween, pictures
Book review and giveaway: Princesses Wear Glasses
October 19, 2011
25 comments
Princesses Wear Glasses, by Kristin Ellsworth, illustrated by Christina Turner
UPDATE: “Princesses Wear Glasses” 
The book I’m reviewing, Princesses Wear Glasses, by Kristin Ellsworth, is not available in bookstores or libraries (yet – update, it’s available now
The story is based on one that Ellsworth told her own daughter when she got glasses at age three. The story is told in rhyme, and follows Annie, a brave and curious princess who is off to do some adventuring. Oh, and Annie just happens to wear glasses. This is one of the parts that sets this book off from many others. Annie is simply introduced as a princess in glasses. This isn’t a story of starting out in glasses or learning that she needed glasses.. This story takes place after that initial introduction of glasses that most books focus on, instead taking place when the glasses are simply one of the things that she wears. I think that stories about getting glasses are important, but it’s refreshing to run in to books that feature kids who are already comfortable in their glasses. Annie is a fun character, and you have to love a princess who goes off on her scooter (wearing helmet and glasses), looking for adventure.
Annie decides to seek out a dragon because she wonders what makes their scales so bright. Upon finding one, she realizes that the dragon must need glasses, since he is having trouble seeing:
“I’m lost,” the dragon sniffled.
“And I can’t see far away.
It’s hard to fly. Which way is home?
What an awful day.”“I’m sorry you’re so sad.
My glasses help me see.
Try this spare pair from my pocket.
Then you’ll see like me.”
The illustrations by Christina Turner are bright and charming. They often surround the text, an effect that I think is lovely.
The book is small and thin, it’s designed to fit in a box with a pair of glasses (that match Annie’s from the book) and a dress up princess cloak and crown. If I had any complaint, it would be that it feels like the binding might break. Though Zoe’s copy has weathered repeated readings just fine, I wouldn’t expect it to hold up well to a baby or young toddler’s readings.
…
So, now for the giveaway! … Author and Peeps glasses creator, Kristin Ellsworth and I, are doing a giveaway of two of the kits that go along with her glasses, and one book without the kit. The kits include the book, a princess cape, and a crown – great for Halloween or dress up! To enter, become a fan of Peeps Eyewear facebook page, and then leave a comment here. Three entries will be drawn at random on October 24th.
Princesses wear glasses kit - the giveaway does not include the glasses, but will include the book, crown, and cloak.
…
Full disclosure, I was given a free copy of this book for review. That did not impact this review.
…
UPDATE: I went to random.org to generate random numbers for the giveaway. Congratulations to Rebecca and Alyssa who won the kits, and Cody B who won the book!
UPDATE #2: Surprise! Kristin would like to thank every one who participated in the Peeps Eyewear Giveaway, by sending all of you a copy of the book! Thanks again for commenting, any feedback on the book is welcome!
Welcome to Little Four Eyes!
A community for family and friends of little ones in glasses. A place to share experiences, tips, tricks, and pictures.
If you just found out that your child needs glasses, you may want to start here, or browse our pages or post archives. Please comment on anything that catches your attention.
Write for the blog! More voices make for a better community. No long-term commitment or experience necessary - just drop me an email (ann @ shinypebble . com).
Join the Little Four Eyes facebook group, for even more discussions and pictures!
Recent Comments