6 Tips For Buying Your Child’s First Eyeglasses

The American Optometric Association or AOA recommends that children between three and five years of age should have an eye examination within these two years.

On the other hand, specialists say that kids between six and 17 years of age should get an annual eye exam or as recommended by their ophthalmologist.

When children undergo an eye exam regularly as scheduled, they can get the appropriate diagnosis they need from a specialist. Moreover, they will receive the treatment they require to prevent any vision problems they may have from worsening.

One of the most common forms of treatment that eye specialists recommend to children with eye problems is wearing eyeglasses. When kids have eyewear with the appropriate prescription, they will have clearer vision.

Moreover, when children wear the eyeglasses all the time or as needed, they will avoid experiencing eye strain, headaches, and other discomforts caused by poor eyesight.

The Perfect Eyewear for Kids

Having the correct prescription and finding an optical shop that sells affordable, good-quality eyeglass frames in Dubai are excellent ways to start selecting the right eyewear for kids. However, there are still a few more things to think about and consider when buying a child’s first pair of glasses.

Below are some more tips that will help you get the right eyeglasses for your child:

1. Opt for shatter- and scratch-resistant lenses

The younger the child, the more prone to carelessness he might be. Whether he is simply playing on the playground or a member of a sports team in school, it is crucial that he doesn’t break or damage his glasses easily.

This doesn’t mean, though, that kids have to stop playing outdoors or any sport altogether.

Since the lenses are the most damage-prone part of the glasses, choose the best type that your kid won’t break easily as he goes through his usual activities.

Polycarbonate lenses are one of the toughest types around. They are impact-resistant and, as such, do not break easily. However, they are also lightweight, making them more comfortable for children to wear even for long periods.

Additionally, scratches on the lenses can impede a child’s vision due to the refracted light. They can cause headaches and eye strain in the long run as well.

To help children avoid these issues, pay for additional scratch-resistant coating for the lenses.

2. Consider UV protection

If a child has to wear his new glasses all the time, ensure the lenses can give his eyes sufficient protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays can cause damage to the back of the eyes. UVB light, on the other hand, can penetrate even deeper. Both can lead to serious vision problems, especially if the child loves spending hours outdoors under the sun.

To protect a child’s eyes, choose lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

Another option would be photochromic lenses since they offer protection against the harmful light of the sun while also reducing glare and increasing your child’s visual comfort.

3. Ask the child's preference regarding eyeglass frame material

In the past, plastic frames were often recommended for kids since they are durable and lightweight.

However, metal frames are also now excellent for children since they are created and designed to match the features of plastic ones. They often cost the same as well.

It would be best to let the child choose which frame to get since he will be the one wearing the eyewear. Show him the different designs of frames that are within budget.

In case the child is allergic to some types of metal, look for one that is hypoallergenic. Lastly, if the lenses are thick, encourage him to select a light frame so that his glasses won’t be too heavy wear.

4. Ensure the bridge fits the child’s nose

The bridge is the part of the frames that helps the eyewear stay in place. A gap between this part and the bridge of the nose, even the tiniest one, will cause the glasses to slide frequently.

To make it convenient and comfortable for the child to wear his eyeglasses, make sure he selects a pair with a bridge that fits his nose.

Many kids prefer the feel of plastic frames without nose pads. Although they are more comfortable to wear, this type often slides down when a child has a small face and has a nose bridge that has not yet developed.

Metal frames that have adjustable pads are often a better fit for everyone.

Before buying the glasses, make sure the bridge fits his nose. Ask the optician for some assistance as well.

5. Choose frames with spring hinges

Spring hinges are must-have features for young kids’ eyewear. These joints allow the temples to flex away from the frames without damaging them.

Children, especially younger ones, can sometimes be careless when putting on and taking off their glasses. They may even forget to take them off before going to bed.

When the child’s glasses have spring hinges, he won’t have to worry about damaging his frames easily and having them adjusted or repaired when they become careless with handling and wearing their eyewear.

6. Let the child have the final say in terms of color and style

Lastly, kids may feel embarrassed and uncomfortable about wearing glasses, especially if it’s their first time getting one. They may also worry that they may be teased in school or by their friends.

To help the child feel comfortable and confident about wearing glasses, allow him to select the eyewear they want. By doing so, he will likely put them on without being afraid of being teased.  

This will also reduce the likelihood that he will refuse to wear his glasses as well.

To narrow down the child’s options, point out frames that fit his taste and preference. Include in his possible choices styles that popular bespectacled celebrities wear.

If the child knows that famous people also wear glasses, he will like the idea of having one more. He will feel more confident whenever he puts them on, too.

In case the child is asking for advice regarding the color of the frame, consider recommending hues that will bring out his eyes best.

For instance, if the child has light blue or light brown eyes, frames with a rich brown or olive green color will bring out his eyes. In case he has dark brown or blue eyes, frames featuring purple and navy tones are his best options.

Keep in mind that if your child likes his glasses, he will wear it as recommended by the specialist and will take better of them. As such, follow these tips to be sure you will point your little one to his ideal eyewear.

If you have other tips for buying eyeglasses for kids, share your knowledge and experience with us below.

AUTHOR BIO:

Firas Saab is the Training Manager at Al Jaber Optical in Dubai, the leading optical and eyewear company in the UAE that offers a comprehensive range of eyewear and optical services across the board, through a wide range of modern optical products and facilities. Firas is an enthusiastic trainer with more than a decade in the retail and optical industry and has recently acquired HND in Business and Management in addition to his Optical qualifications.