A Guide To Having Your Children Fitted for Glasses

Many signs point to the fact your children might need glasses. Some kids will squint a lot or complain of headaches while trying to read. Others may cover one eye or tilt their heads as a way of temporarily correcting impaired vision. Whatever the reason, it is important to bring your little ones in for an eye exam right away to solve the issue. Since corrective eyewear is often the solution for most vision problems, you may have a few questions about how to find the right glasses for kids.

The fitting process is not complicated, but it can be useful to review a few points in advance. Consider these tips and help make the transition easier for you and your children.

The Size

The size of the glasses you select will make a big difference in how effective they are. If you select eyewear that is too loose, your child is more likely to lose or break them while playing. To determine if the glasses are a good fit, check to see if the frames come in contact with your child's face. According to experts, the glasses should never touch your child's cheeks or eyelashes. If they do, you need a bigger size.

The Lenses

While there are many different types of lenses available for adults, most experts advise picking shatterproof options for children. Kids like to run, jump, tumble, and even fight, meaning the lenses need to be able to withstand whatever impacts occur. Polycarbonate lenses are usually the best fit for this purpose. Not only are polycarbonate options tough, but the lightweight material is also effective at blocking UV rays and is resistant to scratches.

The Frames

When looking at frames for kids prescription glasses, there are a few areas to pay close attention to. The bridge is part of the frame that sits over the nose. Since children tend to have smaller noses, many glasses made for kids are equipped with nose pads to keep the frames snugly in place. If you want to opt for a model without nose pads, you will need to find a pair that rests correctly on the nose. Should the bridge prove even a smidge too big, it can lead to the glasses slipping right off.

The temples are another area to focus on. The temples of the frames should rest comfortably on the ears. If the temples extend too far, it can cause the glasses to come off when the child leans back against a wall or rests his or her head on a pillow. To avoid this, some parents will select glasses with a strap instead of standard temples. However, be mindful that straps can prove awkward or uncomfortable for some children.

The Style

Though it does not play a big part in how the glasses function, looking at different styles can be useful when shopping for kids glasses. If your children love the way their glasses look, it increases the odds that they will wear them. Conversely, an unappealing style makes it more likely that your child will not wear the glasses out of fear of looking awkward or feeling embarrassed.