INSTRUCTING THE PATIENT

INSTRUCTING THE PATIENT 

INSTRUCTING THE PATIENT

    When prescribing a patient's first pair of glasses, discuss with them how often the glasses should be worn, for this will be a concern of theirs.

    It is often helpful to begin by discussing two conflicting myths:

Myth 1: "You should wear the glasses all the time for, if you don't, you are straining your eyes."

Myth 2: "Don't start wearing glasses because your eyes will become weak and dependent on them."

            Neither is correct!

    Glasses, when worn, are simply helping the individual see better. There are exceptions to this, for example, when the glasses are being used for protection or in the treatment of accommodative esotropia, amblyopia, or for other medical reasons.

    

    Thus, the proper instruction is that the glasses should be worn when the patient finds they would like to see more clearly. This may mean that the glasses are worn all the time or only for specific tasks such as night driving. Visual need should determine the wearing schedule, without any concern about hurting or affecting the eyes.

WINTER COAT ANALOGY

    The "winter coat analogy" is one way to clarify this concept for the patient. One knows when they want to wear their winter coat and, conversely, when they don't feel they need it.

    If one is prescribing glasses for a child or teenager, it is important to give these instructions to both the child and the parent.

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