Glasses Queens and Nassau County

When the cornea and lens work together to focus a crisp image on the retina, vision is clear. If the image is blurry, prescription glasses can help. At The Pediatric Eye Center, we regularly prescribe glasses for kids of all ages.

Why Are Glasses Sometimes Necessary to See Better?

Clear vision depends on the cornea and lens at the front of the eye, focusing a sharp image onto the retina at the back of the eye. When this focus is off, the result is a blurred image. Glasses, which place corrective lenses in front of the eyes, or contact lenses, which sit directly on the eye’s surface, can adjust the focus so the image lands precisely where it should.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, often called “nearsightedness,” occurs when far-away objects appear blurry, but near or close images remain clear. This happens when the eye’s focusing system, the cornea and lens, directs light from distant objects in front of the retina instead of on it.

The only way to bring those distant images into sharp focus is with glasses or contact lenses, which shift the focal point onto the retina. Without correction, people with myopia can still see nearby objects, and the distance they can see depends on how severe the myopia is.

Why Myopia Progresses and How Glasses Help

People with myopia need glasses to see objects in the distance. Myopia does not go away. Instead, it often increases over time. The image moves farther from the retina as the eye grows, and the prescription strength must be updated to accommodate. Think of the eyes like feet; bigger shoes must be purchased as your child grows. Similarly, as their eyes change, they will need a new prescription for properly fitted glasses.

While glasses or contact lenses will correct the blur, they don’t address the root issue: the eye is physically too long. In some children, excessive eye growth can increase the risk of more serious problems, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.

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Understanding Your Child’s Prescription

Your child’s eyeglass prescription is individualized to match the shape of their eye. We determine the exact numbers with precise measurements taken in the office, through a process called “refraction.”

Thankfully, most people with myopia have healthy eyes and can see perfectly well with the right optical correction. We aim to give your child perfect or as close to 20/20 vision as possible with glasses.

Are There Alternatives to Glasses?

Although myopia is a lifelong condition, there are alternatives to wearing glasses. Contact lenses may be an option once your child reaches an appropriate age. After age 21, laser vision correction procedures such as LASIK can also be considered to correct myopia.

Trusted by Pediatricians, Chosen by Families

We’re proud to be the practice pediatricians refer to and parents recommend. Our referrals come from across the tri-state area—not just from doctors, but from families who trust us enough to send their friends, neighbors, and siblings our way. Here’s why:

Physician-Led Expertise That Spans Decades

Dr. Lichtenstein has treated tens of thousands of children since 1999. With over 25 years of pediatric surgical experience, he brings a level of precision and perspective you won’t find in retail settings. He offers thorough, compassionate care, with just the right amount of humor.

Eye Exams That Actually Work for Kids

From toy monkeys to dad jokes, Dr. Lichtenstein adapts to each child’s age and personality. Toddlers get playtime, school-aged kids get stories, and teens get respect. The goal? An accurate exam—and a patient who actually wants to come back.

Straight Talk for Smarter Decisions

We don’t overpromise. We don’t upsell. And we don’t talk in circles. Dr. Lichtenstein explains diagnoses and treatment plans in plain language, answers every question, and takes the time to make sure families understand their options. When it comes to your child’s vision, we know that clarity matters.

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The experience was incredibly awesome. Dr Eric Lichtenstein made me and my son feel comfortable enough for my son to open up and reply to all his questions, and to follow his directions. Thank you for this great experience!

Cristina Espinoza

Dr. Lichtenstein Understands How Glasses Support Good Eye Health

Glasses reduce eye strain, promote proper visual development, and help the eyes work together more effectively during critical growth years. If you’re unsure whether your child needs glasses, contact Dr. Lichtenstein today—our physician-led exams are designed for growing eyes.

Myopia Management & Dr. Eric’s Membership Program

For children who are at risk of developing high myopia, Dr. Lichtenstein offers a physician-led Myopia Management Membership—a private, cash-pay program designed to slow the progression of myopia in children. It’s a personalized, high-standard approach—not a one-size-fits-all product.

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What Is Astigmatism?

If the shape of your cornea were perfectly spherical, like a ball bearing, that would be amazing! Nobody's cornea is perfectly spherical. The term we use to describe this imperfection is "astigmatism."

So, astigmatism is due to microscopic imperfection in the shape of the cornea, and everybody has some. We can see clearly with a little bit of astigmatism. Some folks, however, have a lot of astigmatism, and this causes blurry vision.

When Does It Become a Problem?

Many people have some level of astigmatism. It only becomes an issue when it is strong enough to blur vision. Clear vision requires the image to focus at a single point on the retina. This can be achieved with glasses or contact lenses, or, for adults, through laser surgery.

Wait—Is Astigmatism Serious?

Oh no! This astiggy, stick-’em-up, Astro-Martian, stigmadoodle—whatever you call it—must be serious, right? Not at all. Astigmatism might have a goofy-sounding name, but it’s no more concerning than having myopia (“nearsightedness”), hyperopia (“farsightedness”), or attached/unattached earlobes.

The simplest way to picture astigmatism is to imagine two points of light; one or both are missing the mark. Glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK can bring both points into crisp focus right on target. And that’s all there is to it!

Will the Astigmatism Get Worse?

Astigmatism tends to diminish during early childhood; some children can outgrow the need for glasses. However, it is impossible to accurately predict who will outgrow their glasses.

The exception to this generalization is keratoconus. With keratoconus, astigmatism increases during later childhood and adolescence. Diagnosing keratoconus early is of great benefit, if possible, because there are treatments that can arrest its progression. In addition to decades of clinical experience, we have a specialized machine for mapping the cornea and detecting keratoconus early on.

What Is Anisometropic Astigmatism?

Anisometropic astigmatism occurs when one eye has more astigmatism than the other. In this case, one eye focuses more clearly, sending a sharp image to the brain, while the other sends a blurrier one. Over time, the brain may begin to favor the clearer eye and rely on it more. If the difference between the eyes is significant, it can affect visual development and lead to amblyopia. The good news is that amblyopia from anisometropia can often be treated successfully if detected early.

How We Treat It

Treatment usually begins with glasses. About half the time, this is enough to correct the amblyopia. If glasses don’t fully resolve the issue, we may recommend patching the stronger (non-amblyopic) eye for a period of time. Most children with anisometropic amblyopia experience significant improvement, and many regain normal vision in the affected eye.

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Once the Vision Is Better in the “Bad” Eye, Can Your Child Stop Wearing Glasses?

Glasses don't cure astigmatism, but they do provide clear, balanced vision while your child’s brain is developing and learning to see clearly. After a child's amblyopia has been reversed, if they are still young enough for the amblyopia to come back, it is generally a bad idea to stop glasses. However, it is safe to stop glasses if they are beyond the age of amblyopia recurring, although the vision will be blurry.

What Is Hyperopia?

Hyperopia occurs when the eye’s focusing system, the cornea and lens, brings an image into focus behind the retina rather than directly on it. Most children naturally have a small degree of hyperopia. To correct this on its own, the natural lens works to “pull” the image toward the retina, a process known as accommodation.

When the hyperopia is too great for the lens to accommodate fully, the result is blurred vision. An external lens, such as glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK, is needed to bring the image into sharp focus.

Why Vision Feels Blurry at Every Distance

People with hyperopia have difficulty focusing on objects both near and far. (The terms “farsighted” and “nearsighted” can be misleading, so don’t get hung up on them.) Viewing something up close demands more accommodation from the natural lens than looking at something in the distance.

Can Hyperopia Be Corrected?

People with hyperopia need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly at all distances. Hyperopia often lessens over time. The good news is that most people with hyperopia can see perfectly well with correction, especially when it is detected and treated early in life.

What Is Anisometropic Hyperopia?

Anisometropic hyperopia occurs when each eye has a different degree of farsightedness. In this situation, one eye focuses fairly well—or even perfectly—while the other struggles to focus as clearly. When the brain receives a sharper image from one eye, it begins to favor that eye and rely on it more.

In anisometropic hyperopia, the more farsighted eye remains out of focus at all distances, which can interfere with visual development and easily lead to amblyopia.

How We Treat Anisometropic Hyperopia

Amblyopia caused by anisometropia can often be reversed if treated early. Glasses are tried first; half the time, this is enough to correct the problem. If glasses alone are ineffective, a patch may be placed over the stronger (non-amblyopic) eye for a time. Most children with anisometropic amblyopia show significant improvement, and many regain normal vision in the affected eye.

FAQ Glasses

If my child uses her glasses all the time, will she become dependent on them?

No. Glasses simply make life easier when vision is blurry. Needing glasses isn’t an addiction or dependence—it’s just a way to see clearly. Glasses are safe, effective, and life-changing when needed.

Will using glasses weaken the eyes?

No way! Wearing glasses won’t weaken your child’s eyes—in fact, not wearing needed glasses can sometimes lead to vision loss (amblyopia). Glasses help your child see clearly and don’t cause harm.

Do computer and video games hurt the eyes?

Not at all. The eyes don’t wear out from looking at things, including screens. Just like your sense of touch or smell doesn’t wear out from use, your eyes are made to see—and using them won’t damage them. That said, too much 'near work' - whether it's reading books or staring at a tablet - can accelerate myopia in children. Research indicates that the impact of near work can be offset by spending 2 or more hours a day outdoors. Also, try taking a 20 second break from near work every 20 minutes and looking 20 feet away (20-20-20 rule).

If my child needs glasses, does this mean that he has 'weak eyes'?

No. If vision can be corrected to normal with glasses, the eyes are healthy. Glasses simply help focus light better. 'Weak eyes' is a myth—what matters is the eye’s ability to see with correction.

Should glasses be worn only to see the board?

If your child needs glasses to see clearly, she should wear them full time—not just in the classroom. Seeing clearly at all times supports learning, safety, and overall quality of life.

If my eyes are fine, then how did this happen?

Needing glasses isn’t anyone’s fault. Refractive errors happen, and while there’s a genetic component, it’s not always predictable. It’s just part of how eyes grow and develop.

Should my child have her eyes examined every few months now?

Children with glasses should typically have annual eye exams. Younger kids may need more frequent checks if vision changes quickly, while older kids (age 8–9 and up) can often be seen as needed.

The Pediatric Eye Center Offers Solutions Schedule an Appointment

Prescription glasses may (or may not) be the best solution for your child’s eye problem. Dr. Lichtenstein’s 25+ years of experience and familiarity with many eye conditions enable him to design the best treatment plan for your child. Scheduling an eye exam is the first step to determining the best course of action. Call us today at (929) 588-8570.