It helps to schedule a kids’ eye exam with a reputable pediatric eye doctor every year to ensure that your child has good vision. This is because children’s eyes tend to change rapidly, and consulting an expert can help ensure they have an up-to-date eyeglasses prescription.

When it comes to buying children’s glasses and frames, the endless options may confuse you. If you are looking for the right pair of kids’ eyeglasses to help improve your child’s vision, we can help you. Our expert optometrists have put together this guide to ensure you know the essentials. Read on to learn a few tips about choosing eyewear for your child so you can make a great choice.

10 Tips to Choose Kids’ Glasses and Frames

1. Consider the Lenses
   When buying children’s glasses, the prescription is the primary consideration. It helps to consult your eye doctor about the eyewear lenses to determine which frame would work best If the prescription requires you to choose thick lenses, avoid large frames because they tend to increase the glasses’ thickness overall. If you need to buy smaller lenses, it helps to know that they tend to have fewer aberrations near the edges, which is why there is an increased chance of distorted or blurred peripheral vision.
2. Select a Modern Style
   Most children tend to be self-conscious when wearing eyeglasses for the first time. To inspire your child to wear them regularly, you may choose frames that have an attractive style. You can pick the glasses in their favourite colour and striking patterns. Also, features such as photochromic lenses, the ones that darken automatically in sunlight, may help persuade your child to wear eyeglasses.
3. Choose Between Metal or Plastic Frames
   Kid’s glasses have frames typically made of either metal or plastic. Most of them have styles that are intentionally similar to the frames of unisex eyewear designed for adults. Children are often more attracted to these styles. Also, they tend to select glasses that are similar to those worn by their parents or older siblings.Plastic frames are more durable. They are also less expensive and lighter. Metal frames also have their own benefits, which is why you can choose the ones that meet your needs or that your child prefers. When buying metal frames, be sure to opt for a material your child is not allergic to or will have a reaction to.
4. Proper Bridge Fit
   Children do not have a properly developed nose, which is why it may be challenging to find a pair of kids’ glasses that fit them perfectly. It helps to evaluate each frame to know whether it fits your child correctly. Consulting a kids’ optometrist can help you make the right choice.
5. Temple Style
   When buying children’s glasses, you need to make sure that they do not slide down and drop off easily. This is why opting for temples that go around the backs of their ears is a wise choice for children’s glasses and frames. You could also purchase a frame with an elastic strap that goes around the head for younger children.
6. Spring Hinges
   When choosing kids’ glasses, look for the ones with spring hinges because they allow the temples to flex without damaging the glasses. Since children are not always careful when they use eyewear, spring hinges can help avoid frequent, expensive repairs. They are ideal for toddlers who may be rough with their glasses when playing. Also, they come in handy if your child falls asleep wearing the eyeglasses.
7. The Material of the Lens
   After choosing the frames for the glasses, you need to decide on the lenses. Be sure to choose more scratch and impact-resistant ones for added safety. Also, opt for lighter lenses that make wearing the glasses more comfortable for your child. Avoid selecting glass lenses for children’s glasses because they tend to break more easily.
8. Sports Glasses
   Regular children’s glasses frames do not offer enough protection from big things, like a ball, when playing outdoors. This is why it helps to choose proper sports eyewear with high-quality lenses if your child is actively involved in sports. They can help protect them from eye injury and last longer than regular eyewear. Be sure to consult with a kid’s optometrist to find the glasses with the right fit for your child.
9. Warranties
   When buying kids’ glasses, it is essential to consider the terms of the warranty, as eyewear typically comes with varied warranties. Be sure to ask the optometrist about the terms and conditions of lens replacement, frame and lens damages, and the warranty plans.
10. Arrange for a Backup Pair
    When buying kids’ glasses, it helps to remember that children can be rough on their eyewear. Having a second pair of eyeglasses handy is a good idea, especially if your child cannot function without them. You can use their previous eyeglasses as a spare if there are no significant changes in your child’s prescription.

Visit Our Store to Find the Right Glasses for Your Child

At U Optical, we are dedicated to providing the best eyewear products and eye care services. We feature a wide range of glasses for people of all ages and carry products by top eyewear brands, including Burberry, Ray-Ban, Michael Kors, and more. Our selection includes high-quality children’s glasses and frames to meet each child’s varied needs.

We also have qualified professionals to help with your kid’s eye exam to ensure their prescription is up to date. Our experts will understand your needs and concerns and help you choose the right glasses for your child.

For more information about our collection of children’s glasses and our kids’ optometrist, be sure to give us a call at 416-292-0075. You could also schedule an eye exam with our on-site specialists by filling out our online contact form. We’ll be more than happy to assist you and your child!

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