Knowing your child needs glasses can be stressful. More stressful is choosing the right one! When you walk into a store to choose eye glasses for your child, chances are you will be boggled by the range available. Sometimes, the eye doctor may actually specify a suitable spectacle frame. Usually, you have to choose the spectacles, or worse, ensure that your child chooses the right pair. Here is what you need to know before you choose spectacles for kids.
Remember to carry the prescription
Usually, your doctor will dilate the child’s eyes, before prescribing the power of glasses. Your optician will need this prescription before helping you choose glasses for your child. In addition, the prescription is the primary consideration when you choose eye glasses for your child.
If your child has a higher power, the lenses required will be thick. In this case, high refractive index lenses will be a good idea. Also, a smaller frame will reduce the final lens thickness, and cause less distortion of peripheral vision.
Let the child choose
You will be surprised at how much of your fashion choices are deemed uncool by your children. Similarly, for spectacles, its best to allow the children some autonomy in choosing what they like. After all, they are going to be using them every day, and may also experience some teasing from their friends and siblings. Of course as apparent, you must steer them away from any frames that are incorrect for their prescription. If they like the spectacles, they will wear them more often, which is essential to avoid lazy eye or amblyopia.
Costs
Whatever you budget, avoid frames that are too expensive. This is because these eye glasses will often get lost, broken or simply fall out of favor. So try and choose a frame that is affordable, and easily replaceable.
Plastic or Metal Frames
Traditionally, plastic frames are a better choice for children. This is because they are more durable, break less often and lighter in weight. Some metal frames, though a little more expensive, may also be similar in durability. Metal frames also have adjustable nose pads.
Bridge Fit
Remember, children’s noses are often not fully developed and this is an important consideration when choosing frames for smaller children. This means that their eye glasses may just slide off their nose. Choose a frame which has a bridge that fits the child’s smaller nose, or choose a metal frame with adjustable nose pads.
Remember there should be no gap between the bridge of the frame and the bridge of the nose. Let your optician guide in determining the fit of the frame, if in doubt.
Temples
The temples are the side arms of the spectacles. Try and find a pair of glasses with temples that wrap around the ears, for smaller children. These are a little cumbersome to wear and take off. Instead, you may also an adjustable or elastic strap that goes around the head. You may also prefer temples with spring hinges which allow a lot of mishandling of the glasses, without breaking.
Lens Material
Choose plastic lenses, especially those made of polycarbonate or Trivex. These are lighter, more impact resistant and also protect from UV light. They may be a little more expensive than other lenses. However, ,these lenses are scratch resistant and shatter proof, and therefore, economical in the long run.
The Second Pair
You will invariably need a second pair of glasses, to replace one that is broken, or just lost. This is especially true for children with higher powers since they can’t see as well without their spectacles. You may want to order the second pair when you choose the eye glasses for your child. If the child is an active sports person, he or she may require special protective eye wear.
Things to remember when you choose eye glasses for your child
Choose plastic lenses and frames.
Choose the lightest frame possible.
Make sure the frame sits well on the nasal bridge.
Choose temples with spring hinges.
Find a colorful, cool frame that your kid enjoys wearing.
When in doubt, ask your optician to help.
