TIPS: Points to Consider While Buying Prescription Glasses for Kids

If you are a parent who has just been handed a prescription from your child’s optometrist, chances are you would be dreading the task that lies ahead. You will now have to attempt to accomplish the impossible – pick out a pair of prescription glasses for your kids that (a) he/she will be will be happily willing to wear, and (b) that will last longer than the ride home. But don’t worry, this article will take out most of the stress that this task involves. Here you go, dear parent – a list of pointers to consider when buying prescription glasses for kids that will make your trip to the optical store a much more enjoyable and satisfying experience:

Lens thicknessIf your child’s optometrist has prescribed strong lenses for your child, chances are they will be thick and bulky. In such a scenario, it would be wiser to choose small sized lenses over large ones to balance out the thickness and weight. Smaller lenses also have fewer higher-order aberrations near the edge of the lens as compared to their bigger counterparts of the same material and prescription. This helps in reducing blurriness in peripheral vision.

Frame materialTraditionally, prescription glasses for kids have been made out of plastic because the material makes them sturdier, light weight, and less likely to be bent or broken. However, many opticians are now offering similar features in metal alloy frames as well. But make sure that you consider your child’s sensitivities and allergies as well before making your selection of frame material.

Proper bridge fitThe problem with kid’s spectacles is the fact that children do not have fully developed noses – so they don’t have a bridge to prevent the glasses from sliding off their face. Plastic frames, therefore, have to be carefully selected to suit the individual bridge fit of every child. Metal frames, on the other hand, come with an adjustable nose pad that can fit almost every child’s nose bridge. You should bear these factors in mind when selecting the right glasses for your kid.

Temple size and typePrescription glasses for kids come in different temple variants to ensure that they do not slide off the child’s face. There are wraparound temples that go all the way behind a child’s ear and sort of lock themselves in place. Another option is a strap that goes around your child’s head. This type is especially useful for toddlers who would usually find it difficult to manage a pair of glasses on their face all through the day.

Lens materialYou cannot entrust a pair of breakable lenses in the hands of your child – it is too much of a safety hazard. Polycarbonate and Trivex lenses are the best options here. They are much more impact resistant, lighter in weight, scratch proof, more comfortable, and come with built-in protection against UV rays. These lens options might be on the expensive side but their features make them worth the extra investment.

And at the end, make sure the frame you select is funky, fashion forward, and interesting enough that your child will enjoy wearing them and love how he/she looks in them. It can sound like an uphill task right now but with the above listed tips, you will definitely find the right pair of prescription glasses for your child. All the best, dear parent!

This article is written by Jim Kounnas, CEO of a href=http://www.kounopt.com/Kounopt. Kounopt.com is one of the leading providers of the quality eyeglasses, frames and sunglasses online.