Children’s glasses are prescribed when the child does not have perfect vision and is unable to see near, far or both distances clearly. This condition is called a refractive
Choosing children’s glasses. Credits: AAO
error. Examples are short sightedness, long sightedness or astigmatism.
Below the age of 9, children’s glasses may be particularly important to prevent lazy eye (amblyopia) developing.
They may also be prescribed to treat some types of squints called accommodative squints.
Children’s glasses should be sized well to the child’s face. The frames can me made of plastic or metal but a non-corrosive material may be preferable.
Spring loaded hinges are a feature on some frames and reduce the likelihood of accidental damage at the junction of the end-pieces and temples.
To prevent the frame slipping down the nose, plastic frames with well fitting bridges should be chosen. Metal frames usually come with adjustable nose pads. Silicone nose pads reduce slipping well.
Temple tips/loops can also be added on to hold the glasses close to the face.
Children’s glasses lens should be made of plastic. Glass may crack with damage and lead to glass fragments injuring the eye. Polycarbonate lenses are harder than plastic and provide good protection for the sporty child.
UV protection and scratch resistant coatings are desirable features of the lens are fairly standard from manufacturers these days.
Since it is important that the child wears the glasses, it is best to choose a style and color that the child likes.
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