Children and Glasses – Looking for the Perfect Fit
Children have special needs when it comes to fitting glasses. It is best to work with an optician that frequently works with children, because they will have the necessary experience and often have a large selection of appropriate frames. Doyle Opticians and Marcus Opticians have been specializing in children’s fittings for many years and many doctors refer their patient here because of the selection and experience we offer.
Choosing the right frame is crucial. Comfort is important because glasses don’t do any good if a child won’t wear them. Polycarbonate lenses are shatter proof and have UV protection built in to block harmful sun. Children should not be allowed to wear adult frames in hopes that they will grow into them. Quality glasses will not only hold up better, but will be more comfortable for your child.
Frames should not touch the cheeks or eye lashes and eyes should be centered in the lenses. Infant and toddler glasses have cable temples which wrap around the ear for better fit. As children get order (5 or 6 and up) children may need sport glasses as their lifestyle change and organized sports become part of their daily activities.
How Old Does My Child Need to Be for Contacts?
While children can physically tolerate contacts at a young age, there are many factors involved in the decision to allow children to wear them. How responsible is your child? Can he/she remember to do their chores on time and turn in their homework on time? Is their hygiene appropriate for contacts?
Many studies have shown that responsible children 11 and older do well with one-day disposables, with 90% having no trouble inserting and removing the lenses without parental assistance.
Only your eye doctor and optician can help you decide if the time is right, so be sure to discuss it with them first before agreeing to your child’s request for contact lenses.
