Thanks to the fictional character Harry Potter and others, kids wearing glasses are now cool! If your child requires prescription eyewear, here are some tips for selecting eyeglasses that will make it both fun and functional.

Choosing Safe and Appropriate Lenses
First and foremost discuss with our doctors or opticians the best lenses for the prescription. Trivex and polycarbonate lenses are generally the best for children. Trivex lenses offer light weight and impact resistant properties like polycarbonate lenses but with better optical clarity. Polycarbonate lenses are the most impact-resistant and are lighter weight than most plastic lenses. Parents should avoid glass lenses. Although all glass lenses are tempered, the glass may still shatter when broken and can cause serious injuries to the eye. Glass lenses are also heavier and less comfortable than Trivex or polycarbonate lenses.

Size and Fit
The frame should have a comfortable temple length and bridge size. The bridge is the part of the eyewear frame that connects both eye rims over the nose. The bridge size allows the nosepads of metal frames to rest comfortably on the nose at a proper distance from the inner corner of the eye. Because most children do not have fully developed or prominent noses, they may require a special nosepad sling to keep the frame in place on the nose. Temples, the arms that extend from the front of the eyewear, should be a length that rests comfortably on the ear. Our opticians can adjust these to allow for a comfortable fit. For younger or active children, cable temples provide a flexible cable that wraps around the ear to keep the temples secured so that the eyewear stays in position on the face.

Frame Materials
To provide the most durability, eyewear should be made of quality metals such as nickel, silver, stainless steel or titanium. Titanium, special nickel-free metal alloys and most plastic frames are also hypoallergenic. Plastic eyewear frames are a durable alternative but can be more difficult to repair and fit to a child’s nose.

Sensitivity to Nickel
Some children are sensitive to nickel. If your child shows sensitivity to nickel, try titanium, nickel-free or plastic eyewear.

Spring Hinges
Spring hinges provide flexibility, allowing the temples to flex outward, away from the frame without causing any damage to the face or eyewear frame. Spring hinges are safer in that the eyewear comes off the face easily in the event of a fall or accident.

Strength and Durability
Choose a substantial metal or plastic frame with spring hinges and extra soldering strength at the bridge and temples to ensure the eyewear can withstand a child’s active lifestyle. The extra soldering strength at these areas (where metal meets metal) will help prevent breakage.

Nosepads
Consider silicone nose pads because they do not slip.

Appearance
Today’s eyewear for children offers a wide selection of eye shapes, colors and decorative treatments. Make sure your child is happy with how the eyewear looks and feels and communicates this to our optician. If you child is happy with their selection they are more likely to wear them as prescribed. Our opticians are experts at picking the appropriate frame shapes and colors that best compliment different shaped faces, skin tone, and hair color.

Eyewear Case
To most children the best part is the case! Make sure your child’s eyewear comes with a case they like, preferably a hard case. Teaching your child a good habit, to put his or her eyewear in the case when not being worn, will prevent the eyewear from being scratched or broken. In our office we teach, "If it’s not on your face, it is in the case!"

Care and Cleaning
We are happy to show children how to maintain and clean their eyewear. When cleaning the eyewear, the frame and lenses should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cloth and mild soap. Paper products or your shirt are not recommended to clean or wipe lenses off.

We invite you to visit our optical gallery in Stillwater or Pawnee. Our optical staff would be happy to discuss frames and lens materials with you and your children. If you have questions please call the Stillwater office @ 405-372-1715 or Pawnee @ 918-762-2573.