Parenting is a constant quest to make your child comfortable, healthy and safe. You might meticulously research their nutrition needs and take them to pediatric appointments to ensure they reach developmental milestones, but what about their eye health? Children who wear glasses rely on these lenses to reduce eyestrain and provide optimal vision and comfort.
If your child has received a new prescription for glasses or experiences discomfort with their current pair, virtually endless options are available to make you both happy. While durability and proper fit might be your priorities, your child may be more excited about finding a pair in their favorite color. This guide provides tips and considerations to help you narrow down your selections.
Understanding Your Child's Vision Needs
Most children should receive an eye exam around age 3 or 4, which is usually part of their annual physical wellness checkup. However, physicians cannot always accurately determine if your child requires glasses during this brief screening.
Schedule annual eye exams with a pediatric ophthalmologist who can detect vision issues early and monitor changes in your child's ocular health. Routine eye exams can also keep your child's prescription current, as most eyeglass prescriptions expire after one or two years.
5 Tips for Selecting Frames
Choosing glasses for your child is a significant decision, but where do you start? The first step is getting your child a thorough eye exam from a children's eye doctor. They will provide an accurate prescription, which will help you find the best frames. Here are the top considerations to remember.
1. Frame Materials
Typical frame materials include plastic and metal. Plastic frames are generally more durable, while metal frames are slimmer and more minimal. Some metal frames contain nickel, which you should avoid if your child has allergies or sensitive skin.
2. Durability
Kids are energetic, playful and curious. To fit their active lifestyle, you'll want to select robust frames and lenses made from a durable material like polycarbonate, which is FDA-approved for children's eyewear. Some eyewear experts offer frame warranty options to give you peace of mind.
3. Fit and Size
Fit will keep your child comfortable and prevent the glasses from pressing on their temples or falling off their face. Your optician will generally measure your child's pupillary distance, the width of their face and nose bridge and the distance from their eyes to their ears. The frames should fit snugly without being tight.
4. Comfort
Along with a proper fitting, you can also look at adjustable nose pads and flexible hinges for maximum comfort for all-day wear. An ill-fitting frame or heavy material can cause the glasses to rub, press or irritate your child's skin. Lightweight frames can be less noticeable, which may encourage your child to wear their glasses as instructed.
5. Age-Appropriateness
Many kids are reluctant to wear glasses. Letting them pick out their frames can help them feel more enthusiastic and excited about this change. Their glasses should be comfortable but also give them confidence and allow them to express their individuality.
While some children might gravitate toward what a friend or older sibling wears, let them try on different pairs to find their unique style and make the experience fun! Do they seem to lean toward trendy or classic designs? Delicate or bold frames? Square or oval style?
Special Considerations
Every child has unique preferences, interests, routines and extracurricular activities. Here are a few other factors to consider before shopping for their eyeglasses.
1. Pros and Cons of Different Lens Types
Like frames, eyeglass lenses come in various materials.
- Standard glass: Glass lenses provide clear vision for children with stronger prescriptions and are scratch-resistant. However, they are also heavier and more delicate than other materials.
- Standard plastic: Plastic lenses can be more lightweight, affordable and impact-resistant than glass lenses. However, they are prone to scratches and can be less clear than glass lenses.
- Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate lenses are impact-resistant and lightweight, making them ideal for safety glasses and sports eyewear. Polycarbonate lenses also come with built-in UV protection and are customizable with anti-glare or blue-light filtering.
- Trivex: These lenses are highly durable, impact-resistant and provide UV protection. However, Trivex lenses tend to be pricier and thicker, which may not be ideal for stronger prescriptions.
- High-index materials: High-index lenses can reduce the magnified effect of strong prescriptions for more comfort and tend to be thinner and lighter than traditional lenses. They are typically more expensive and fragile, which is not ideal for highly active children.
2. Does Your Child Need Transition Lenses?
Transition lenses may suit your child's lifestyle and prescription needs. These lenses protect wearers against UVA and UVB rays and reduce harmful blue light from electronic screens. This option could be ideal for your child if they often lose their glasses when switching to sunglasses.
Your child will be more likely to wear their glasses and keep them on if they only have one pair to keep track of! These lens types adjust according to the lighting conditions, so your child will always have the perfect tint level. Transition lenses are excellent for children who play sports or spend lots of time outdoors in bright sunlight.
3. Eyewear for Sports Activities
Broken glasses can result in eye injuries and surprise repair costs. If your child plays a sport like basketball, gymnastics, tennis or cheerleading, you may worry about their glasses breaking during practices and games.
Children who play sports or engage in outdoor activities may require more protection against eye injury. For example, glasses with safety features like spring hinges and flexible, rubberized grips will stay in place and prevent injuries during sports games. These specialized glasses are often custom-fitted to your child's face to ensure maximum comfort.
Visit Eyemart Express for Quality Eyewear and Expert Advice
Well-fitting eyewear and routine exams can maintain your child's eye health and improve their concentration. However, multiple factors influence your child's frame needs, including durability, style and prescription. Use the tips in this article to narrow down your options and find a pair that meets your price point.
At Eyemart Express, we understand it can be overwhelming to find the best glasses for your child. That's why we invite you to visit one of our optical centers for specialized recommendations from our eyewear experts. After you receive your prescription and pick out frames, we'll start crafting your child's glasses on the same day! Browse our youth glasses online to check out our affordable, durable and stylish glasses for kids. You can also use our store locator to access convenient, hassle-free eyewear.
