Our practice serves children of all ages, who are coming in for eye examinations and selecting glasses. Selecting the right frames for the multitude of needs children have can be challenging.
When selecting frames for kids, especially for school and sports, it’s important to consider durability, comfort, and functionality. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right frames:
For School:
Durability:
- Materials: Look for frames made from durable materials like flexible, lightweight plastic, acetate, or metal with reinforced hinges.
- Flexible Frames: Kids are active and may frequently drop or bend their glasses. Flexible frames, often made from materials like memory metal, can bend without breaking.
Comfort:
- Choose frames that are lightweight, so they don’t cause discomfort or leave marks on the nose and behind the ears.
- Proper Fit: Ensure the frames fit well, with the temples resting comfortably on the ears and the bridge fitting snugly on the nose. In some cases, poor-fitting glasses can cause headaches.
Style:
- Appealing Designs: Kids are more likely to wear their glasses consistently if they like the way they look. Let them choose from a range of colors and styles they feel good about. In addition, glasses that look good can build their confidence.
Lens Features:
- Anti-Reflective Coating: This reduces glare from screens and lights, which is helpful for schoolwork.
- Blue Light Filter: Useful for kids who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
For Sports:
Impact Resistance:
- Polycarbonate Lenses or Trivex: These are highly impact-resistant, making them ideal for sports. They are also lightweight and provide UV protection. In fact, most optometrists recommend polycarbonate or trivex lenses as the only ones prescribed for children.
- Sport-Specific Frames: Look for frames specifically designed for sports, often made from materials like polycarbonate or rubber, which are resistant to impact and shattering.
Secure Fit:
- Straps or Wraparound Frames: Sports frames often come with straps or a wraparound design to keep the glasses in place during physical activity.
- Non-Slip Nose Pads and Temples: These help keep the glasses secure even when the child is sweating.
Lens Features:
- UV Protection: Ensure the lenses offer full UV protection, especially for outdoor sports.
Finally, we always recommend that you get a backup pair, especially if your child is very active or prone to losing things. It takes 7-10 days to get replacements on average, which can have put a significant pause on your child’s activities if they do not have their glasses. In addition, ensure that you bring them in for regular adjustments. Kids grow quickly, so regular adjustments to the frames may be necessary to ensure they continue to fit well.
If you would like to discuss your child’s specific needs, you can drop by one of our locations or make an appointment with us online at https://sightcareoptometry.com/.
Note: This posting is for informational purposes only and does not attempt to diagnose or
recommend treatment for any condition. Please refer to the Ontario Association Optometrists website (https://optom.on.ca/eye-health-library) for more information or consult an Optometrist if you are experiencing eyesight issues.
