- By Iram Hussain
- Sun, 29 Dec 2024 05:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Right spectacle frames for children play a vital role in their eye health and development. Properly fitted frames ensure optimal vision correction, comfort and style while boosting their confidence and overall quality of life. Selecting the right spectacle frames for children is not simply about choosing a fashionable or decent pair of eyeglasses. Rather, as a parent, you need to prioritise your child’s comfort, the durability of the eyewear, active lifestyle and vision correction.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre explained the factors that you should consider while selecting the right spectacle frames for children.
Material Matters Durability And Safety
Most children are active and their glasses should be able to take the abuse of everyday usage. The following materials can be considered for the eyewear frames.
- Flexible Plastic (Acetate or TR90): These materials are light, do not irritate the skin, and are not easy to break, perfect for a younger age.
- Metal (Titanium or Stainless Steel): These materials are a little stronger than elastic materials which are appropriate for slightly older kids.
It is also important to note that the material used does not have sharp edges for it can cause some injury during minor accidents.
Perspective Comes First
When children are in discomfort most likely they do not want to wear their eyeglasses even if they need to. Suitable frames would be:
- Adjustable Nose Pads: Choose nose pads which are soft and do not loosely sit expanding the probability of falling off.
- Lightweight Design: This will ease some of the compression on the bridge of the nose and ears.
- Spring Hinges: This will allow the frame to be flexible and bent from many places with a high probability of them not breaking.
Size And Fit
Compromising the fit of a pair of spectacles results not only in the discomfort of the wearer but also brings results which are suboptimal to the wearer's vision, the right fit is key.
- Frame Width: Frame width should not be excessively wider than the temples i.e. the frame should be wider than the nose.
- Temple Length: Make sure that the arm’s length is enough so that it wraps around the ear lobe. Otherwise, the length would not be ideal and may cause discomfort.
- Bridge Fit: The nasal bridge is narrow on kids hence it is best to use kids’ frames that are specifically designed with adequate bridge fittings.
Lens Considerations
It is crucial to remember the thickness of lenses when designing the frame there is a concave relationship between the two. Hence for people with high prescriptions, it is effective to use smaller glasses so that the wearing weight is less. Polycarbonate lenses are a good option, as they are impact-resistant and lightweight with added UV protection.
Style and Colour: Let Them Choose
When children are encouraged to select their own frames, it can increase their confidence and further draw them towards wearing glasses. Fun styles, patterns or bright colours will ensure that wearing glasses is an enjoyable experience. They can wear glasses as per their liking.
Straps And Safety Features
It is possible to use a wraparound to provide added protection or use an elastic strap to keep glasses in place while children are still young or engaging in sports.
Regular Checkups And Adjustments
Children are always in a phase of rapid growth. So regular adjustments may be necessary so that a child may wear his or her frame comfortably.
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