If your son or daughter needs glasses, getting a pair for the first time can be intimidating for them and for you. They might be scared of getting teased; you might be afraid they’ll break them. But with a little research and preparation, getting children’s eyeglasses can be a painless experience for everyone.
Does Your Child Need Glasses?
There are a few signs that indicate your child might need glasses. Poor academic performance could be related to an inability to see the board. If they have to squint or tilt their head a lot, they might be attempting to compensate for blurry vision. Headaches that result from this compensation are another indication they need corrective lenses. If they rub their eyes often, sit too close to the TV, or frequently lose their place when reading, these could all be signs of vision problems. Have your child examined by an eye doctor to determine whether or not they need corrective lenses.
Lenses They’ll Like
Once you’ve determined that your child needs eyeglasses, you should make sure that you pick a pair of glasses that look good on them. At some point, every kid worries about being called “four-eyes”, but if the frames are flattering and they are confident in their appearance, there’s no need for concern. Help your child look their best by choosing square frames for round faces, and round frames for thin faces. Also, avoid lenses that are too big or too small, which can make them look bug-eyed or pinched.
Make sure that your son or daughter approves of the glasses, too. Most children’s eyewear comes in fun, bright colors; some come in cool patterns like camouflage or tie-dye. There are even frames that are decorated with popular cartoon characters. If you or an older sibling wear glasses, some kids might enjoy getting a matching set so that they look just like mommy or daddy. If a child likes and is confident in their glasses, it will be much easier for them to wear them.
Durability
Kids tend to be much rougher than adults, and they don’t care nearly as much about protecting an expensive set of specs. So it’s important to be sure that their glasses are strong enough to resist a little rough play. Plastic is usually the best choice for children’s frames, since it is cheap, lightweight, durable, and colorful. However, some kids might like the look of metal frames better, and if they are responsible enough you might consider getting some.
Children’s corrective lenses are always made out of plastic or polycarbonate, not glass. Plastic lenses are both more durable and shatter-resistant—broken glass right next to your child’s eyeball is very dangerous. It’s a good idea to get a second, backup pair of glasses in case your child breaks the first.
A Perfect Fit
The glasses should also fit well and be comfortable to ensure that your child will wear them. Make sure that the bridge of the nose isn’t pinched and that the temples or arms of the glasses don’t press into their head.
Although getting glasses for the first time can be scary or confusing for you and your child, a little preparation will help make it an easy transition for both of you. Get lenses that are strong, comfortable, and look great, and soon your child will be seeing clearly and loving it.
Jen Blair of The Sprightly Shopper contributed to this post. Follow her on Twitter @sprightlyshop.
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