A young boy in a yellow shirt sits at an eye exam machine with a smiling adult behind him and an optometrist in front.

Do Young People Need Optional Eye Tests?

/0 Comments/in /by

When you visit the eye doctor, you’re inevitably given the option to get extra eye tests for an additional cost. If you’re concerned about what your insurance will cover and are relatively young, you might assume you don’t need them. Here, we’ll examine whether that’s true and what to know before your appointment.

What to Know About Optional Eye Tests

Not every optional eye test makes sense for younger people. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration are unlikely to impact you when you’re younger, making these tests somewhat superfluous. However, it’s worth noting that every eye doctor has different policies, often based on what insurance they accept. Specific tests at an eye exam in Pittsburgh, like color blindness, may be necessary for younger people to understand their visual health and acuity.

Finding the Right Staff in Pittsburgh, PA

Ideally, an eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA will explain each patient’s risks and potential benefits, though this doesn’t always happen in standard practices. Unfortunately, it’s not always just a question of time either. Some doctors and staff are happy to push unnecessary tests on patients to maximize their profits.

If you want to avoid overpaying without putting your vision at risk, the best thing you can do is find an honest team. At Lappen Eye Care, we base our recommendations on the patient’s well-being. So, if you have a family history of diabetes or glaucoma, we may ask you to take certain tests earlier than those who don’t have the same risk factors. This way, you can still get preventative tests and treatments long before you develop a visual disorder. In other words, no matter what age you are, you can benefit from additional testing if you meet certain criteria.

A young child in a dress shirt sits at a desk holding a pair of glasses, with a cup and bookshelf in the background.

Does My Child Need Another Pair of Glasses?

/0 Comments/in , , /by

When you’re on a budget, you don’t want to overspend if you don’t have to. It’s why many parents purchase only one pair of glasses for their child for the year. However, there are a few reasons why you may want to be more proactive regarding their vision.

How Prescriptions Change Over Time
Adults and children alike experience changes to their vision as they age. However, children may experience bigger changes in shorter time periods. If your child is constantly squinting or complaining that they can’t see, this is an obvious reason to take them to anoptometrist in Greensburg, PA.

If the prescription has changed more subtly, it may not be as noticeable to either of you. When some children may need glasses in just six months, it’s important to pay attention to the signs. If they seem to struggle to make out shapes or read smaller words, they may need a new pair of glasses. Of course, you can keep the frames and change the lenses in this case (even if your child wants an entirely new pair).

The Nature of Children
Beyond the need for a new prescription, there are also general considerations to factor in. Children’s eyeglasses are designed to be strong enough to handle a little rough-and-tumble. Of course, even if they’re titanium-strong, they’re not indestructible. Plus, children have a tendency to grow, which can causeeyeglasses in Greensburg, PA, to become null-and-void.

See an Eye Doctor in Greensburg
Some parents might see their eye doctor more than once yearly because their child is changing. Others may just do it to have an extra set on hand. No matter why you’re looking for a new pair, Lappen Eye Care is here to help.

A young child in a dress shirt sits at a desk holding a pair of glasses, with a cup and bookshelf in the background.

Glasses for Kids in McMurray: Helping Your Child See Clearly

/0 Comments/in , /by

Good vision is essential for a child’s development, learning, and overall confidence. If your child is having trouble seeing clearly, prescription glasses can make a world of difference. At Lappen Eye Care in McMurray, we specialize in helping kids find the perfect glasses for their needs—balancing comfort, durability, and style.

When Does a Child Need Glasses?

Children may need glasses for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Refractive Errors: Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can make it hard to see clearly at certain distances.
  • Eye Alignment Issues: Glasses can help with conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) by improving focus and reducing strain.
  • Vision Development: Some children need glasses to support healthy eye development and avoid issues like amblyopia (lazy eye).

If your child struggles with reading, complains of headaches, squints frequently, or has difficulty focusing in school, it may be time for an eye exam.

What to Look for in Kids’ Glasses

When choosing glasses for your child, consider these key factors:

  1. Durability: Kids’ glasses should be able to withstand an active lifestyle. Look for sturdy frames and scratch-resistant lenses.
  2. Comfort: Lightweight materials and a proper fit are crucial to ensure your child wears their glasses without discomfort.
  3. Style: Letting your child choose a frame they love can boost their confidence and make them more excited to wear their glasses.
  4. Special Features: Depending on your child’s needs, you may want lenses with UV protection, blue light filtering, or anti-glare coatings.

Why Choose Lappen Eye Care for Kids’ Glasses in McMurray?

At Lappen Eye Care, we make finding glasses a fun and stress-free experience for both kids and parents. Our services include:

  • Comprehensive Eye Exams: We ensure your child gets the correct prescription for clear, comfortable vision.
  • Wide Selection of Frames: We offer a variety of kid-friendly styles and colors to suit every personality.
  • Expert Guidance: Our team will help you choose the best lenses and features to match your child’s unique needs.
  • Adjustments and Repairs: We’re here to ensure your child’s glasses fit perfectly and stay in great shape.

Help Your Child See Clearly Today

At Lappen Eye Care in McMurray, we’re dedicated to helping kids achieve their best vision while feeling confident and comfortable in their glasses.

Contact us today to schedule your child’s eye exam and explore our collection of glasses for kids!

Young girl with brown hair in a ponytail sits on a bed, eyes closed, pressing her temples with both hands, appearing to have a headache or discomfort.

How Can I Tell If My Little One Needs Glasses?

/0 Comments/in /by

Kids who have untreated vision problems can have trouble in school that can lead to other problems later in life. Good vision can help your child read and succeed academically, which can help boost your child’s confidence and affect your child’s comfort in social situations.

In other words, it’s really important to ensure that your child gets treated for their vision problems, if they have any. The first step is to know the signs of a problem and reach out to the optometrist in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, PA. Here’s what to know.

What are the signs that my little one needs glasses?

If your little one needs glasses, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Sits close to the television and close to the white board in school.
  • Squints or closes one eye when trying to see things up close, far away, or when reading.
  • Gets headaches when trying to read.
  • Rubs eyes excessively.
  • Has difficulty concentrating on school work.

Won’t my child tell me if they have trouble seeing?

Many children won’t recognize the signs of vision problems until they’re older. Getting your child to the eye doctor is important, especially if your child is showing any of the signs of having vision problems.

What should I do if I think my child needs glasses?

If you think your child needs eye glasses in Pittsburgh and Greensburg, PA, take your child to a reputable eye doctor for an examination and potential prescription for corrective lenses. Take your child as soon as you’ve noticed signs of a problem. Waiting can lead your child to struggle in school, and that can put your child behind from an early age. For more information about what you should do if you believe your child has vision trouble, contact the professionals at Lappen Eye Care.

A young boy undergoes an eye exam with a slit lamp while an adult woman, possibly his mother, stands behind him offering support.

When Should My Little One See the Eye Doctor?

/0 Comments/in /by

Has your little one ever gone to the eye doctor in Pittsburgh? If not, they should! It’s important for children to see the eye doctor regularly. Catching vision problems at a young age can help your child meet developmental and academic milestones. In this article, we’ll talk about how often and when your child should see the eye doctor. Here’s what to know.

Eye Exam Schedule for Babies and Toddlers

Children should get an eye exam in Pittsburgh once before they’re 3 years old, and again between the age of 3 and 5. Once your child is school-aged, they should see the eye doctor annually.

It’s very important to catch vision problems as soon as possible, because vision problems can impact your child’s performance in school. Children who have a hard time seeing in school may struggle or lose interest in their lessons, which can impact them for years to come.

Know the Signs of a Problem

Sometimes it’s hard to tell when a child has a vision problem. Knowing the signs that your child is having a vision problem can help you decide when it’s time for your child to see the eye doctor. Here’s what to look for:

  • Squints when looking at certain objects
  • Sits close to the television or the white board at school
  • Struggles to read or stay engaged while reading
  • Often loses their place while reading

Benefits of Seeing the Eye Doctor

Seeing the eye doctor can help your child get the services they need to help them succeed in school and later in life. To find out more about how an exam can help your child, call Lappen Eye Care.

Young girl with long brown hair in a blue sleeveless top making glasses with her hands over her eyes and smiling in front of a light blue background.

How Can I Tell If My Child Is Nearsighted?

/0 Comments/in /by

Does your child show signs of a vision problem? Do you suspect it may be nearsightedness? This common eye condition can impact your child’s ability to see clearly, and may even impact their progress in school. In this article, we’ll talk about what you can do if you think your child is nearsighted, and why you should make an appointment with your child’s eye doctor in Pittsburgh, PA.

What is Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness, also called myopia, is a condition that occurs when objects in the distance appear blurry, and objects up close are clear. Nearsightedness is a common problem that affects millions of people. In fact, nearsightedness affects as much as 30% of the population.

Signs of Nearsightedness in Children

There are many ways you can tell whether your child is nearsighted. Some signs to watch for include:

  • Sits close to the television and the front of the classroom
  • Squints when looking at objects in the distance
  • Gets headaches
  • Holds objects close to their face

Nearsightedness can impact a child’s ability to perform in school. Nearsightedness can impact a child’s ability to perform in academic settings, so it’s important to get your child’s nearsightedness diagnosed early on. Using corrective lenses to ensure that your child can see properly is one thing that you can do to aid your child’s progress in school.

Make An Eye Appointment

If you believe that your child is nearsighted, or if you believe that your child is struggling with vision problems, make an appointment for your child with their eye doctor at Lappen Eye Center. We’ll be happy to help you get your child the care they need. Call today to make an anointment for an eye exam in the Pittsburgh area.

A young child wearing glasses sits at a table, drawing on white paper with a blue colored pencil. A green cup filled with colored pencils is on the table.

My Toddler Needs Glasses. How Can I Keep Them On Her Face?

/0 Comments/in /by

Trying to get a toddler to wear glasses can sound challenging! What may surprise you is that many toddlers can be taught to keep glasses on their face, if you use the right strategies. If you have a toddler that needs to wear glasses in Pittsburgh area, here’s what we suggest.

Be Calm, Put them Back On

When your toddler takes their glasses off, don’t get angry. Your toddler is behaving naturally for their age, and getting angry could upset your child. If you’re angry often enough, this could create negative associations with their corrective lenses.

Be calm, smile, and put their glasses back on. If they refuse to keep the glasses on, either because of a fit or because they’re curious, leave their glasses off for a while. Try again later.

Put Glasses On – Then Distract Your Child Immediately

Put your toddler’s glasses on, then give them a favorite toy to play with. If you can distract your child with something they enjoy holding and looking at, they may not be tempted to remove their glasses. Eventually, they’ll forget they’re wearing anything on their face.

Stay Consistent

Have your child wear their glasses every day. The more frequently your toddler wears their glasses, the less interesting the glasses will be. Eventually, your child will no longer think about taking them off.

Want more suggestions for getting your child to wear their glasses? Call your child’s eye doctor in Pittsburgh. Ask questions next time you bring your toddler in for an appointment, or just talk to the eye doctor over the phone for tips and advice.