10 Tips for Buying Eyewear for Your Kids
If your child’s recent eye exam with Dr. Mark Roy at Oakland Optometry determined that it’s time for glasses, here are some tips to help take the confusion out of buying eyeglasses for your child.
- Lens Thickness
The first, and probably most important consideration when buying eyewear for your child is their prescription. Before you start selecting lenses, consult with Dr. Roy and his optical team about the lens requirements for your child’s prescription. Lenses with a strong correction may be thick, so selecting frames that are small will reduce the thickness of the lens. If your child has a strong prescription, it might also be good to avoid thin metal frames or frames that do not completely cover the edges of the frame. Our optical team are experts in determining the best lens design and technology available for your child's new glasses.
- Got my Eye on You
If your child doesn’t like the frame, they aren’t going to wear the glasses. This is just common sense. Since the primary goal is to find glasses that your child will wear, help them select frames that they like and help them feel and look confident. Our optical team will help your child choose eyewear that adds to their personality with a face of confidence and attitude. We have a great selection of moderately priced, design-packed and family friendly frames.
- Plastic or Metal
This choice really is a matter of preference between parents and kids. There is no longer the need to keep your child away from metal frames, since frame manufacturers have done a great job of developing metal alloys that are just as durable and affordable as plastic. Plastic, however, is still considered to be a more durable option for kids glasses.
- Proper Bridge Fit: stop slipping and sliding
It is important that your child’s glasses fit well at the nose, otherwise they will spend a lot of time pushing up their glasses. Metal frames can limit this problem with adjustable nose pads. However, if your child is selecting plastic frames, make sure you try on plenty of options to find the ones that fit their nose correctly.
- Temple Style
To further keep your child’s glasses from slipping, make sure that they have snug fitting temples. Temples that wrap completely around the ear are going to be the best for full-time and part time wearers. If your child doesn’t like temples that wrap the ear, a strap is a good alternative.
- Spring Hinges
This feature is a life saver and a pocket book saver as well. Many youth glasses come with hinges that spring outward. This keeps the frame intact if your child should be hit in the face while playing sports or during recess on the playground. If your toddler needs glasses, this feature is perfect for protecting their glasses, when they become a toy. Spring hinges also reduce the need for frequent adjustment for proper fit.
- Lens Material
Once you and your child have selected frames, it’s time to think about lenses. Your child’s lenses should always be polycarbonate or Trivex as well as have UV protection. These materials are impact resistant and light weight, making glasses comfortable to wear and safe for their eyes. Glass should be avoided for kid’s lenses as a matter of safety and comfort. Dr. Roy and his optical team offer their patients a lens solution specific to their patient's vision needs.
- Sports Eyewear
If your child is active in sports, make sure that they have a pair of sport specific performance glasses. These glasses are made to provide complete protection for your child’s eyes, while at the same time, providing the same vision correction. Regular frames won’t provide the same safety rated protection that performance sports goggles provide.
- Consider Contact Lenses
The technology behind contact lenses has improved immensely in the past few years especially for daily disposable contact lenses. In addition to increased focus on comfort, contact lense options have expanded to include dailies for astigmatism and multifocals. They can be awesome for part-time wearers and any new contact lense wearer is a candidate for them, from a five-year-old child to a 70-year old senior.
- Can't find my glasses: Have a back up pair!
It’s never a bad idea to purchase a second pair of glasses for your child, just in case. This is especially important if your child has a strong prescription and cannot function without glasses.
Looking to Purchase Eyewear for Your Kids? Contact Oakland Optometry Today!
Dr. Mark Roy of Oakland Optometry wants your child to see well, and be ready for a great year at school. August is the perfect time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam for your child, and get them into the perfect pair of glasses promising them a strong academic year. To schedule an appointment, call Dr. Mark Roy of Oakland Optometry today at (248) 373-6500.