What To Keep in Mind When Choosing Glasses for Your Child

Things to Consider

1. Lens and Frame Size: Glasses will not provide the proper assistance if they don’t sit correctly and securely on the wearer’s face. The strength of the prescription should indicate how thick the lenses will need to be. Keep that in mind when selecting frames, as larger frames will require the lenses to be even thicker, which can make the glasses heavier and less comfortable. Additionally, larger lenses have more higher-order aberrations near the edges that can lead to blurred or distorted peripheral vision.
2. Temple Style: Especially with children, who tend to be very active and less conscious about the safety of their clothing in general, it’s important to select glasses with temples (arms) that will ensure they stay on the head. Some models wrap around the ears, and are primarily used for very young children, and elastic bands can be fitted to other glasses to keep them on.
3. Spring Hinges: The most likely point of failure on glasses are the hinges, since they are the moving parts. Fortunately, spring hinges which allow the temples to flex outward without damaging the glasses, are available. They are highly recommended, especially for younger children, as they will prevent frequent adjustments or repairs.
4. Bridge Fit: Because children’s noses aren’t fully developed yet, they don’t have a full bridge to prevent glasses (without adjustable nose pads) from sliding down. Fortunately, most manufacturers of plastic frames, where this is an issue, design their bridges to fit the small noses of children. However, you must be sure to properly evaluate the frame to ensure a proper fit. If there is any gap between the bridge and the nose, the weight of the lenses will cause them to slide down. It is very important that the glasses sit properly, so that the eyes are in the correct position to fully benefit from the corrective lenses. Your optician will be the best judge of whether a frame is a proper fit for your child.
5. Frame Material: The most common materials for frames are metal and plastic, and these days they are about equal in terms of durability, though not all metal frames are created equal, so consult with your optician if you decide to choose metal. For very young children, flexible frames which are even more durable are options as well. You can also find frames made of hypoallergenic materials if your child has a sensitivity to certain substances.
6. Lens Material: It’s recommended that children’s lenses be made out of polycarbonate or Trivex, as they are more durable than other lens materials. They’ll be safer, and will last longer this way. Lenses made of these materials also have built-in UV (ultraviolet) protection, and scratch resistance.
7. Style: Style does matter, especially for kids who might be feeling somewhat apprehensive about wearing glasses for the first time. Getting them a pair in a style they like, and that they’re excited to wear, is the best way to ensure that they do in fact wear the glasses. There is no shortage of style options out there; even the pickiest kid will find one that he or she likes.