Kids Eyeglasses: Frames and Lenses for Children

Kids Eyeglasses Can Improve Your Child's Life

Just how much of a difference can the right pair of kids eyeglasses make?

We asked 170 parents what changes they saw in their child once they started wearing prescription glasses, and the results were incredible:

• 47% of parents said their child had noticeably better grades and performance in school
• 45% said their child had more self confidence
• 44% said their child was generally happier
• 35% said their child is now more inclined to do artistic activities, like drawing and painting
• 30% said their child became better at sports

If you think your child may need glasses or a different prescription, it's well worth it to schedule an eye exam and start their journey to better eyesight

Understanding Kids Eyeglasses Prescriptions

Understanding kids eyeglasses prescriptions requires you to know a few special terms and abbreviations, including:

• OD: Stands for “oculus dexter,” which means right eye.
• OS: Stands for “oculus sinister,” which means left eye.
• +: The “plus” sign stands for farsighted, which means that the child can see far away objects better than close by ones.
• -: The “minus” sign stands for nearsighted, which means the child can see close up objects better than far away ones.
• SPH: Stands for sphere, which indicates the amount of lens power to correct the nearsightedness or farsightedness. This number is given in diopters.
• CYL: Stands for cylinder, which shows the amount of lens power necessary to correct the astigmatism. It can be positive or negative.
• Axis: This is the angle (measured in degrees) for the astigmatism correction and indicates where to put the cylindrical power in the lens.
• Prism: Prism correction indicates an eye alignment issue, and the value is measured in diopters. There will also be a base direction, either Base In, Base Out, Base up, or Base Down.

A prescription for children's eyewear is written in the following format:

OD: (Spherical correction as a number) (astigmatism correction as a number) x (axis as a number)

OS: (Spherical correction as a number) (astigmatism correction as a number) x (axis as a number)

Kids Glasses Frame Materials

While there are many kids glasses frame materials, there are two that are considered superior: acetate and metal.

Acetate Kids Eyewear Frames

Acetate is a synthetic fiber created using cellulose, which is found in plant cells. Acetate frames for kids eyeglasses are ideal because they are affordable, lightweight, and durable. They come in a variety of shapes and colors, making them a popular fashion statement among adults, too. Furthermore, most acetate frames are typically hypoallergenic, which is great for kids with metal allergies.

Metal Kids Eyewear Frames

Metal frames are lightweight, easy to adjust, and more durable than plastic frames. They are difficult to break and can easily be bent back into place if damaged. While metal frames don't come in as many color choices as plastic, they won't discolor when exposed to sunlight. Kids will be able to choose from standard options like gold, silver, and black.

Other Kids Eyewear Frames

Although metal and acetate frames are generally the most highly recommended materials for kids eyeglasses, there are other options as well. Some of the most common include:

• TR-90 – A thermoplastic material that is popular for sports eyewear due to its impact resistance.
• Memory metal/Flexon – Made from a titanium alloy that returns to its original shape even after being bent or twisted.
• Nylon – Often used for sports eyewear due to its durability.
• Rubber and silicon – Provide comfort and prevent slippage, especially if used for temple tips and nose pads.

Here to Help Your Child Find the Perfect Glasses

Your child's eyesight is critical to their happiness and success. If you believe they may need a new pair of glasses or an update on their prescription lenses, go ahead and schedule an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center.

We've been helping families see better since 1961 and look forward to helping your child, too!