Tips to Buy Children Glasses
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If you are a parent looking for the perfect pair of children glasses for your kid, you surely know how confusing it can be once you stepped inside an optical store.
There are lots of options when it comes to kids’ eyewear. The main problem here is to figure out which type of glasses your kid will even be willing to use. Will the pair even last until you get back home?
To free you from confusion, here are some helpful shopping tips on how to choose the best eyeglasses that your child will love while being durable and stylish at the same time.
Determine the Thickness of the Lenses
The eyeglass prescription will always be the main consideration when it comes to choosing eyeglasses. Before you start your quest for the frames, be sure to consult with an optician or eye doctor regarding your kid’s lenses.
When the prescription requires strong lenses that will likely be thick, you should try to stay away from bigger frames that will only thicken the lenses further. Smaller lenses also have the tendency to have lesser higher-order aberrations close to the lens’ edge compared to large lenses of similar prescription and material so there will be lesser risks of distorted or blurred peripheral vision.
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Go for an Attractive and Modern Style
Many kids feel self-conscious wearing eyeglasses for the very first time. Always pick frames with an attractive and modern style. Aside from this, features such as photochromic lenses that can automatically darken outdoors under the sun may help motivate your kid to want to wear eyeglasses.
Decide between Metal and Plastic
Frames for children glasses can be made either of metal or plastic and most also feature styles that intentionally imitate the unisex glass frames made for adults. Children are usually attracted to such styles since these can make them appear more grown-up. It is also common for kids to pick glasses that resemble those that their parents or older siblings use or wear.
Back in the days, plastic frames used to be the better option for kids since these were cheaper, lighter in weight, less likely to break or bend, and considered to be more durable.
Manufacturers today are producing metal frames that also have these features. Metal composition may differ so always ask the optician to know the one that best suits your child according to experience with various alloys.
Pick frames made from hypoallergenic materials in case your child is sensitive to some substances. For instance, there are people who have allergies to metal frames containing nickel.
Ensure Proper Fit to the Nose Bridge
One of the most difficult aspects of shopping for the right frames for young kids is that their nose is not fully developed yet so they don’t have the bridge to ensure that plastic frames don’t slide down. However, metal frames are often made with nose pads that can be adjusted to make them fit anyone’s nose bridge.
Many manufacturers are aware of this challenge when it comes to plastic frames and develop their bridges to fit smaller noses.
You need to evaluate each frame individually to ensure that it will fit the bridge. When there are existing gaps between the nose bridge and the frame’s bridge, the lenses’ weight will make the glasses slide even if the frame fits well enough prior to making the lenses.
It is a must that the eyeglasses stay in place or else, the child will look on top of the lenses without pushing back their glasses up right where they really belong. The optician is often the best judge on whether or not the frame has a proper fit.
Go for the Correct Temple Style
The temples wrapping all around the ear’s back can prevent the glasses from completely dropping off or sliding down the child’s face.
The wraparound temples known as cable temples are usually available on the metal frames and these are particularly helpful in keeping children glasses in proper place on toddlers. One more choice is a frame with an elastic strap going around the head.
Look for Spring Hinges
Temples that have spring hinges are nice features to look for. These will let the temples flex outward and away from the frames with no damages caused.
Children are not always careful when wearing and removing glasses. Spring hinges will help prevent a need for expensive repairs and frequent adjustments. These are also handy if the kid falls asleep while still wearing the glasses or had a rough playtime during the day.
Spring hinges are also highly recommended for the toddlers who tend to get carried away when playing with new eyeglasses.
Consider the Lens Material
The lenses are the next things to consider after you and your child has agreed on the frames that both of you like.
Lenses for kids must be made of Trivex or polycarbonate. These materials are notably more resistant to impact compared to other types of lens materials for extra safety.
Trivex and polycarbonate lenses are also remarkably lighter compared to regular plastic lenses that improve the comfort level of glasses, particularly for strong prescriptions.
Trivex and polycarbonate lenses feature built-in protection against UV or ultraviolet rays that are potentially damaging. The lenses are also scratch-resistant coated by the fabrication lab or manufacturer.
In general, the cost of polycarbonate lenses can be compared to the cost of regular plastic lenses with scratch and UV-resistant coatings. With polycarbonate, children get the additional margin of safety for eye protection. Trivex lens might be more expensive than polycarbonate lenses.
Don’t choose glasses lenses for children glasses. Even though these can resist scratches, glass lenses could break easier and are also heavy.
An Eye Exam is Always the First Step
Before you buy children glasses at the Crulle eyewear store, make sure you schedule an appointment for your child to undergo an eye exam with a local eye doctor. The eyes of kids can change fast so ensure that your child gets updated eyeglass prescription to achieve the best possible comfort and vision before you invest in new eyeglasses for your kids.
