2024-07-26
When your child needs glasses for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of frame options, multiple lens types, and the very real concern that whatever you buy needs to survive recess, sports, sleepovers, and the occasional accidental sit-on. Choosing the right pair is about much more than aesthetics. The right frames will ensure your child sees clearly, wears their glasses consistently, and feels confident doing it.
Here is a practical guide from our team at Fantastic Glasses in Okotoks, drawing on decades of experience fitting young patients.
Durability: The Number One Priority
Children are hard on everything they own, and glasses are no exception. The frames you choose need to withstand being dropped, sat on, pulled, twisted, and occasionally used as a prop in imaginative play. Here is what to look for:
Frame Materials for Kids
- Flexible plastic (TR90, Grilamid): This is the gold standard for children's frames. These materials bend without breaking, snap back to their original shape, and are incredibly lightweight. They are hypoallergenic and come in a wide range of colours. For children under eight, flexible plastic is almost always the best choice.
- Rubber/silicone frames: For toddlers and very young children, fully rubber frames are nearly indestructible. They wrap securely around the head and are comfortable even during naps.
- Acetate: A step up in style for older children and teenagers who want frames that look more grown-up. Acetate is reasonably durable but less flexible than TR90. It comes in beautiful colours and patterns.
- Metal frames: Best reserved for older children and teens who are past the rough-and-tumble stage. Metal frames can be bent back into shape by an optician, but they are more likely to break at the hinges under heavy abuse. Titanium is the most durable metal option.
Spring Hinges
Spring hinges allow the temple arms to flex outward past their normal range without breaking. This is one of the most important features in children's frames. When a child grabs their glasses with one hand or accidentally opens them too wide, spring hinges absorb the stress instead of snapping. Look for this feature regardless of frame material.
Proper Fit: Getting It Right
A pair of glasses that does not fit properly will not be worn. Children are especially sensitive to discomfort and will take off ill-fitting glasses at every opportunity. Here are the key fit factors:
Bridge Fit
Children typically have lower, flatter nose bridges than adults. Standard adult frames will slide down constantly, leading to frustration and the habit of looking over the top of the glasses rather than through the lenses. Children's frames are designed with flatter, wider bridge pieces that sit securely. For very young children, a one-piece front (where the bridge is integrated into the frame rather than using separate nose pads) provides the most stable fit.
Frame Width
The frame should be approximately the same width as your child's face. Frames that are too wide will slide and shift. Frames that are too narrow will pinch at the temples and leave marks. The eyes should be roughly centred in each lens for optimal optical performance.
Temple Length
The temple arms should extend straight back to the ear and then curve gently downward. If they are too short, the glasses will not stay on. If they are too long, they will push the frames forward on the face. For active children and toddlers, a strap or cable temple (a curved, wraparound temple end) provides extra security.
Lens Size
The lenses should be large enough to cover the child's field of vision but not so large that the frames overwhelm their face. Oversized lenses add unnecessary weight and can slip more easily. A moderate, proportionate lens size is ideal.
Lens Considerations for Children
The lenses matter just as much as the frames. Here are the key decisions:
Impact Resistance
All children's lenses should be made from polycarbonate or Trivex. These materials are significantly more impact-resistant than standard plastic or glass, providing a critical safety barrier during sports and active play. In many jurisdictions, polycarbonate is the mandatory standard for children's eyewear. Both materials are also lighter than standard plastic, which helps with comfort.
Anti-Scratch Coating
Given how children handle their glasses, an anti-scratch coating is essential. It will not make the lenses indestructible, but it will significantly extend their usable life. Teach your child to always set their glasses down with the lenses facing up and to use the case when not wearing them.
Blue Light Filtering
With increasing screen time for school and entertainment, many parents are adding blue light filtering to their children's lenses. Children's eyes are more transparent than adult eyes, meaning more blue light reaches their retinas. Blue light filtering can reduce eye strain during homework and screen time, and help maintain healthy sleep patterns.
Anti-Reflective Coating
Anti-reflective (AR) coatings reduce glare from overhead lighting and screens, making it easier for children to see clearly in the classroom. They also make the lenses look more transparent, which some children prefer because it makes the glasses less noticeable.
Getting Your Child Involved
One of the most important factors in whether a child will actually wear their glasses is whether they had a say in choosing them. Children who feel ownership over their eyeglasses are far more likely to wear them consistently.
- Let them choose the colour. Even if you narrow the options to three or four frames that meet your criteria for durability and fit, let your child make the final colour decision.
- Bring a friend or sibling. Having someone familiar along can make the experience more fun and less clinical.
- Use positive language. Frame it as an exciting upgrade rather than a correction for a problem. Many children's favourite characters and role models wear glasses.
- Consider having a backup pair. Accidents happen. Having a second pair means a broken frame does not derail your child's week at school. The 3-for-1 deal at Fantastic Glasses makes this very affordable.
When to Update Children's Glasses
Children's prescriptions change more frequently than adults' prescriptions because their eyes are still developing. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends annual eye exams for school-age children. Beyond prescription changes, you should consider new frames when:
- The frames are too tight or too loose due to growth.
- The lenses are heavily scratched and affecting clarity.
- The frames are bent, cracked, or no longer holding their adjustment.
- Your child has outgrown the style and is no longer willing to wear them.
In Alberta, children's eye exams are covered by Alberta Health Care until age 19, removing any cost barrier to regular checkups. If you notice any warning signs of vision problems, do not wait for the scheduled annual visit.
Sports and Glasses
If your child plays sports, talk to your optician about sports-specific eyewear. Standard glasses are not designed for impact and can be dangerous if they shatter during a collision. Sports goggles with polycarbonate lenses provide both vision correction and impact protection. Many come with adjustable straps for a secure fit during active play.
For older children and teens who are reluctant to wear sports goggles, contact lenses may be an option, though this depends on the child's maturity and willingness to follow proper care routines.
Visit Us in Okotoks
At Fantastic Glasses, our third-generation optician Jesse Eikeland has years of experience helping families find the right eyewear for children of all ages. We carry a wide selection of children's frames in durable materials with spring hinges, and we take the time to ensure every pair fits properly before your child walks out the door.
Book an appointment for a free eye test with the Essilor R800, or call us at (587) 997-3937. With our 3-for-1 deal starting at $199, you can get your child a primary pair, a backup pair, and even a pair of sunglasses, all at a great value.