The Parent's Guide to Kids' First Glasses

Helping your child see the world more clearly starts with finding the perfect pair of glasses. With expert guidance, the process becomes simple. 

Research shows that approximately 6.8% of children under 18 in the U.S. have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Luckily, expert optometrists and opticians are ready to support your child's vision needs. This guide will walk you through choosing your child's first glasses with confidence.

What to Expect From an Eye Exam

Regular eye care starts early. A doctor will examine a newborn's eyes, and according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children should have their first eye exam at around 6-12 months old, then again at 3 years and annually after kindergarten. While school screenings test for distance vision and myopia (nearsightedness), a comprehensive eye exam catches astigmatism as well as nearsightedness and farsightedness.

Eye doctors also check for common childhood conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes). They'll evaluate how well your child's eyes work together, how they focus and how they process what they see. Comprehensive evaluations can also rule out pseudo-myopia, or false nearsightedness, which can be mistaken for actual myopia. 

Under laws such as the Affordable Care Act in the U.S., pediatric vision care is considered an essential health benefit. Your child can receive routine screenings and comprehensive evaluations up to age 19, and these tests receive heavy subsidies or full coverage.

Understanding an Eyeglass Prescription

You'll see abbreviations like O.S. (oculus sinister) for the left eye and O.D. (oculus dexter) for the right eye. Other measurements you might see include:

              · Sphere: This number indicates the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness.

              · Cylinder: This measurement specifies the amount of astigmatism, which results from an irregularly shaped cornea and causes blurry vision. 

              · Axis: This number shows the orientation or direction of the astigmatism, shown in degrees.

If you don't understand your child's eyeglasses prescription, an optician is ready to assist. They can also demonstrate how different lenses and frames work together to provide clear vision. Additionally, they can answer any questions you have about lens types, coatings and how to wear and care for your child's new glasses properly.

How to Choose Glasses for Kids

Now comes the fun part — selecting your kid's first glasses that fit their lifestyle, personality and visual needs. This decision focuses on three key areas:

1. Lenses

For kids, the lens material is a critical safety choice. The American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology recommends polycarbonate lenses for kids. They're shatterproof, which is vital for active children who are frequently involved in play, sports and other activities where glasses can easily get damaged. Shatterproof lenses safeguard the glasses and your kid's eyes from potential injuries.

Polycarbonate lenses also offer several other advantages for kids:

              · Built-in UV protection: They block harmful UV rays to protect developing eyes.

              · Lightweight comfort: These lenses reduce pressure on small noses and ears for all-day wear.

              · Anti-scratch coating: A scratch-free surface helps ensure vision is sharp and clear, even with rough handling.

2. Frames

Frames for kids' glasses need to withstand active play and allow children to fully concentrate in the classroom. Selecting kids' glasses for school means finding durable frames built for daily wear that can keep up with your child's busy day. Opt for flexible, durable materials that can withstand bending or dropping. Popular material choices for kids are:

              · Plastic: Thermoplastic polyamide and nylon frames are known for their flexibility and lightweight nature, making them comfortable for young wearers.

              · Stainless steel: This material holds its shape, is corrosion-resistant and offers strength without added weight.

              · Metal: Metal is durable yet easy to wear, providing a balance of resilience and comfort.

 

3. Comfort

Your child's glasses should sit comfortably on their face. If glasses aren't easy to wear, your child may not want to put them on. Because they will wear their glasses for most of the day, it's crucial to choose a pair that feels comfortable. Your child's eyes should be centered on the lens, and the glasses shouldn't slide down the nose. Check that the frame's arms don't pinch the side of the head or ears.

Look for adjustable nose pads and flexible hinges, as well as wraparound temples or strap options to keep glasses in place for maximum comfort during all-day wear. A proper fit is essential because it ensures your child is actually looking through the corrective part of the lens. 

Helping Your Child Adjust to Wearing Glasses

Now that your child has prescription-appropriate lenses and a comfortable frame, it's time to help them adjust to their new eyewear. Vision with corrective lenses differs from what they previously saw as normal, so patience and encouragement go a long way. Here are some tips to ease the transition:

              · Start with activities they enjoy: Let your child wear the new glasses while doing something fun, such as reading books, watching a movie, playing with toys or doing an art project. Having fun while wearing glasses can make children more aware of their benefits.

              · Build it into their routine: Incorporate eyewear time into your kid's daily routine. Initially, this time may be very short, about two to five minutes. Gradually increase the length of time or number of times per day as they grow more comfortable.

              · Use a timer: A timer may ease the adjustment — when the time is up, the glasses come off.

              · Offer praise and encouragement: Celebrate each time your child puts them on, reinforcing the positive behavior.

 

Protecting Your Investment

Once your child has found a pair of glasses they love, a few simple steps can help you protect your investment:

              · Buy a hard case: With busy schedules and active kids, glasses can end up anywhere. A hard protective case keeps glasses safe from breakage, so encourage your child to store their glasses in the case when they're not wearing them.

              · Have a backup pair: Glasses sometimes get lost or broken. It's a good idea to keep a spare pair somewhere safe, such as in your child's locker room. Having another pair prevents missing school or activities if the primary pair is lost or broken.

              · Opt for a warranty: Kids can be rough on their belongings, and a protection plan offers peace of mind. Consider putting your kid's glasses under warranty to ensure you can replace them if needed.

 

Find the Perfect Pair at Eyemart Express