Glasses can be a huge change for kids to adapt to and they can take some getting used to. The most important thing is that your child is comfortable and feeling confident in their new glasses, and there are many lots of things that parents or carers can do to help with this. If your child feels like they look good and is happy wearing their new eyewear, this will encourage confidence in them and enable them to feel comfortable to wear them regularly.
If you're a parent in seeking the right pair of glasses for your little one, chances are, you may realise that walking into an optical store can be tricky. There is no limitation of children's eyewear. The issue is sussing out what glasses your child is going to be up for wearing, another thing to consider is are they going to last longer than the ride home? Here we have put together a few tips and pointers to help you make an informed decision in regards to helping your child find the right eyewear for them as well as a few general points for you to consider.
Consider how thick the lenses are going to be
The glasses prescription is always the main consideration in selecting glasses. Prior to you starting to look for frames, consult with your optician about your child's lenses. If the prescription requires stronger lenses that are likely to be thick, avoid large frames that will increase the thickness of the lenses. Moreover, smaller lenses tend to have fewer higher-order aberrations near the edge of the lens than large lenses of the same material and prescription, so there is less risk of blurred or distorted peripheral vision.
Opt for a simple and adaptable type of look
Many children will be feeling a self-conscious wearing glasses for the first time. So, with this in mind, choose frames that have a modern and simple style. Also, features like photochromic lenses that darken automatically in sunlight outdoors may help inspire your child to want to wear glasses.
Plastic or metal?
Children's frames are often made from either plastic or metal and come in lots of styles that intentionally mimic unisex eyeglass frames designed for adults. Children frequently are attracted to these styles because they appear more grown-up. It's not uncommon for kids to choose glasses that look like those worn by their older siblings or their parents.
In the past, plastic frames were a favoured choice for kids due to the fact that they were considered much more durable and less likely to be bent or broken, lighter in weight and less expensive. But now, manufacturers are creating metal frames that incorporate these features too! Metal variations are there, so ask the optician which one is best for your child, based on experience with various alloys.
Choose frames made of hypoallergenic materials if your child has shown sensitivity to certain substances. For example, some people are allergic to metal frames that contain nickel.
Ensure a proper bridge fit
One of the hardest parts about selecting the right frames for kids is that their noses are not fully developed, so they may not have a bridge to prevent plastic frames from slipping down. Metal frames are usually made with adjustable nose pads, so they fit everyone's bridge. Most manufacturers recognise this difficulty with plastic frames and make their bridges to fit smaller noses.
All frames need to be evaluated individually to make sure it fits the bridge. If any gaps exist between the bridge of the frame and the bridge of the nose, the weight of the lenses will make the glasses to slide, no matter how well the frame seems to fit before the lenses are made.
It's important that the glasses stay in place; otherwise, children tend to look over the top of the lenses instead of pushing their glasses back up where they belong. An optician usually is the best judge of whether a frame fits properly.
Allow your child to choose their own glasses
Offer advice and guidance on which pairs look best, but essentially it should feel like their choice. This can help to instil a sense of ownership and encourage your child to feel proud when wearing their new glasses.
Let the buying experience be fun!
Permit plenty of time for you and your little one to try on lots of various styles, this includes everything from simple shapes to more adventurous looks. Not only does this help them to see eyewear in sunlight, but it will also help your child to understand which frames suit them and see how different styles can give them totally different looks.
Turn glasses into a fashion accessory
For older kids and teenagers, allowing them to choose frames by a brand they like or choosing a few pairs which they can match to different outfits can help glasses to feel more like a fashion accessory and something they will feel good about wearing.
Make glasses part of a new look
Make the glasses buying trip more exciting by taking your child shopping afterwards for a new outfit or something match their new frames! This will aid them in thinking the glasses are a part of their new style and instantly creates a positive experience around their new accessory.
Celebrity influence
Prior to going to pick out a new pair of specs, it can help to sit down with your child and look through magazines or online at photos of celebrities wearing glasses. Seeing that people they admire or look up to are also glasses wearers can give them confidence and it is also a great way to help them get an idea of styles they may like.
Offer positive reinforcement
It’s crucial that you help to create a positive sense about the glasses when your child first starts wearing them. Give them loads of praise by complimenting them on how great they look on and make them feel good about their new frames.
Ensure frames fit properly
Be sure that all frames are fitted so that they are comfortable to wear and easy for them put on. If glasses are uncomfortable your child isn’t likely to enjoy wearing them. Depending on age, children may need their frames periodically adjusting by an optician as they grow to ensure they remain a good fit.
Support them
Sitting down with your child to explain why they need glasses and how glasses can help them to better enjoy the things they like doing can go a long way in helping children to understand and accept their new eyewear. Getting them to do a special activity that will benefit from their newly improved vision, such as drawing, reading or watching a movie, is a perfect way to back this up and really show them the advantages of wearing glasses.
Here at David Paul Opticians , we aim to offer professional eye care in Berkhamsted as well as quality optical products. With our dedicated service and a wide range of men’s, women’s and children’s glasses. Along with this, we pride ourselves on gaining a great reputation as expert opticians. Whether it’s finding you the right glasses to suit you or contact lenses to correct your vision, our eye care centre can help. To find out more, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team today.