How to Choose the Best Eyewear for Children
If your child needs vision correction, it can be challenging to know what type of glasses are best. Thousands of options are available regarding eyewear for children, all with different materials and features. Whether this is your child’s first experience with eyewear or their fifth, keeping a few tips in mind can help.
Select the Appropriate Lens Material
The lens material of your child’s eyewear is critical. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are best for children because they’re more comfortable and lightweight than adult lenses. These lenses are also scratch-resistant and designed to sustain high impacts. Because children are so active, having eyewear that can withstand falls and other accidents is essential.
Choose Fitting Eyewear
When selecting eyewear for children, frame size is an important consideration. You don’t want a pair of glasses too big, as they will slide down the nose. Oversized glasses can also appear unbalanced with the proportion of your child’s face. Since the size of a child’s face changes over time, a wide variety of frame sizes are available. If you find the perfect pair of glasses for your child, the frames can be adjusted to custom-fit their face.
Get Frames Your Child Likes
Older children often become more aware of their glasses and how they appear to their peers. Some children prefer brand names that their friends know to look cool. Frame colors and shapes that flatter their features can help children feel more comfortable with their eyewear. Let older children decide from several pairs of glasses so they feel more empowered.
Decide Between Metal and Plastic
Both metal and plastic frames are available for children’s eyewear. Their durability and weight are comparable and in the same price range. Choosing between metal and plastic often depends on which style your child prefers. However, if your child has any allergies to metals such as nickel, ask for hypoallergenic options.
Make Sure the Bridge Fits
Children’s noses are smaller than adults’. Developing noses can make it harder to find a pair of glasses that fit appropriately. Most metal frames have nose pads that prevent glasses from sliding down. Plastic frames that fit correctly onto your child’s nose are also available. When in doubt, ask your optometrist for the best options for children with smaller noses.
Deciding on Elastic Straps
Younger children often need elastic straps to prevent their glasses from falling off during periods of activity. Even older children may benefit from cable temples, which wrap behind the ears to hold eyewear in place. In addition, children who regularly participate in sports or play outside with friends may need the assistance of straps or cable temples.
Damage Prevention
Spring hinges are great for younger children who aren’t always the best at caring for glasses. Yanking off glasses or pulling on them can result in repeated trips to the eyewear store for adjustments or repairs. Spring hinges prevent glasses from being overstretched. They readjust automatically to the frames, even when pulled frequently. You can also ask for certain coatings on eyewear lenses. Non-glare treatments can protect against dirt, debris, and UV rays. Anti-reflective treatments can help prevent glare from bright lights.
Are You Looking for Eyewear for Children?
Choosing the right pair of glasses for your child can be intimidating. The options available can make it hard to decide on the most appropriate pair for your child. Looking Glass Optical in Pasadena, Maryland, is here to help you find the perfect eyewear for your child. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
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