Choosing Glasses for Your Child – The Perfect Fit
Why good fit is important
Glasses that fit well will stay put, encouraging your child to look through the appropriate part of the lens. They are more comfortable, which encourages compliance, and frankly they look more attractive. Frames that fit well won’t move even while laying down or rough play. Glasses need to fit your child today. Infants and small children may only grow one or two millimeters in lens width over a year, older children grow even more slowly. You do not want to size up so your child “will grow in to their glasses.”
The basics of glasses sizes:
Note: While this measuring system is generally standard, some children’s frames use different sizing labels. The best way to find glasses that fit is to try a few different frames on and note the size of glasses that fit well
What to look for in a good fit
Function
That brings us to function. There are a variety of frame types but the three basic types are wire, flexible, and plastic. Fit is a huge factor in function because glasses that fit well function well. But there are other considerations. If you have a tiny squishy baby (been there) or an active young child that needs glasses, you will likely want something flexible and as close to indestructible as you can get, like Miraflex or Solo Bambini. An older child active in sports may need a second pair of glasses that are sports goggles like RecSpecs. A child who requires an exact bifocal line may do much better wearing a wire frame with nose pads because it gives you the best adjustability.
Fashion
Glasses that fit and function well for your child are the most important thing. That doesn’t mean they won’t be adorable. They will! And glasses that fit well will look much better on your child than a pair that does not fit. There are not nearly as many frame choices for children as there are for adults. Depending on your child’s size, your geographical location, and your budget the selection may be even more restricted. This can make finding great frames a challenge but not impossible. In fact there is an increasing number of online retailers that offer tryon kits for home. Having concerns about your child’s appearance is expected. Wearing glasses will change their appearance, in my humble opinion they will be even more adorable. Be sure not to get caught up in the fashion of the frames if it is to the detriment of fit and function. You will have many more opportunities to shop for frames and as your child gets older the selection will expand.
Finally, ask for good service from your optical shop. You are paying for a product and service. They have a professional responsibility to provide your child with functional frames that fit. If you have been misguided and encouraged to buy ill-fitted frames please insist on accountability from the shop and a replacement at their cost. Shopping for frames is challenging whether it is your first or 50th time but it does get easier. |