Picking the perfect frames will always be a little tricky. You have to consider the shape, the thickness, the color, the size, and the comfort, of course. When you’re helping your child, not only do you have to consider all those factors, but you have to take your child’s personal preferences into consideration and help guide them toward the right choice: frames that will help them feel comfortable, confident, and stylish. Scroll down to learn how to choose glasses for a child.
Tips for Helping Your Child Pick Out Glasses
Lean on the experts.
The eyewear experts at your eye doctor’s office will surely offer to help you in your search, so take them up on the offer! After all, they help people of all ages select frames every day. Rely on their expertise, especially when it comes to fit.
Let your child lead the way.
Your child will be wearing these glasses every day, so it’s absolutely crucial that they love them. Let them pick out the color and style, and pay attention to which frames make them smile and show positive body language. Guide them in regard to fit and safety, but let them choose the style. In reality, you shouldn’t be wondering how to choose glasses for your child; they can choose, and you can offer helpful guidance.
Consider safety.
A child’s glasses are typically at a greater risk of breaking just due to the active lives kids lead — running, jumping, playing, perhaps forgetting to store the glasses in their case or accidentally sitting on them. So, when you purchase glasses, look for shatterproof lenses made of polycarbonate or Trivex. Be sure that the glasses will also block harmful UV rays and boast an anti-scratch coating. Look for flexible frames as well, as they’re less likely to break. Finally, remember to tell your eye doctor or the sales associate if your child is allergic to any materials commonly used in eyeglass frames, like nickel.
Check the fit.
Ask your child if the glasses are comfortable. If they aren’t comfy, your kid won’t want to wear them. Look for glasses that feel lightweight yet reliable. In addition, check these basic fit guidelines:
- The frames should fully cover their field of vision.
- The frames shouldn’t be wider than the face.
- The frames shouldn’t exceed the eyebrows.
- The frames shouldn’t touch their cheeks.
- The frames shouldn’t touch their eyelashes.
- The frames should sit nicely on the nose, not slide down it.
- The frames shouldn’t pinch their nose.
Keep in mind that some glasses simply need an adjustment to fit properly. If you’re curious if frames can be adjusted to fit your kid’s facial features, talk to a sales associate.
Stay positive.
Especially if your child has shown reluctance during the process, try to boost their confidence by pointing out the positive aspects of their choices. Tell them they look great, and maybe even try comparing them to a celebrity or character they think is cool. Most importantly, if you have glasses, wear them proudly!
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Learning how to choose glasses for a child is only part of the journey.
If you’re unsure whether your child’s vision necessitates glasses, check out our blog post How to Tell If Your Child Needs Glasses. It explores some of the tell-tale symptoms of poor vision in children, including squinting, tilting the head, covering one eye, and more. But of course, the best way to assess your child’s vision is to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.
Once your child has glasses, you may find that they’re reluctant to wear them. In that case, review our blog post How to Get Your Child to Wear Glasses. We offer a variety of helpful tips that you can use to encourage your kid to wear their new frames.
At every stage, we’re here to help!
Are you looking for a new optometrist for your family? If you live near southwest Missouri, stop by Heffington’s. Since 1975, the Heffington family has been assisting the Springfield community with top-quality eye care and affordable eyeglasses and contacts. To learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with us online, send an e-mail to asktheexperts@heffingtons.com, or give us a call at 417-869-3937 (Optiland location) or 417-882-3937 (House of Vision location).