We strive to make a child’s experience getting their first pair of glasses or contact lenses a fun and interactive event. Here are some of the considerations in choosing eyewear for children.
When infants need vision correction there are multiple options available. Many parents are surprised to learn that it is possible to fit an infant with contact lenses. While the parent has to insert and remove the lenses, this method can be taught. The contacts will provide constant clear vision for the child, which is important for proper development of the visual system. There are also many designs of infant frames that use a strap to hold the glasses on the child’s head.
From pre-school to about age ten, getting a first pair of glasses can be an exciting experience. Every fall, we see several youngsters who have as their big goal, getting a pair of glasses just like their friend’s. When it comes to selecting a frame, having the child involved in the process is the key to success. We keep children’s frames grouped together so the child can see that there are many styles to choose from. Most small kids have a pretty short attention span so having everything right in front of them makes the process quick and simple.
We pay attention to the details of the fit first, making sure the patient’s eyes are centered in the frame and that the style is appropriate for their face. Temples with spring hinges, flexible cable temples, and strong titanium metals are all options we discuss. The key to motivating a youngster to consistently wear their new glasses is finding a frame that will withstand their daily activities and that is comfortable. Mixing in a little fashion with today’s great frame colors and designs also helps.
We will almost always put a child in a durable polycarbonate lens for its safety. Reducing ultraviolet (UV) exposure is also important. A young person will receive half of their lifetime exposure to UV before they are 18. Proper vision correction allows normal development of vision and is a factor in school performance.
For teenagers, social pressure or increased participation in sports may make eyeglasses less desirable. This is where modern contact lens technology can come to the rescue. Current disposable designs are available in most prescriptions and are easy to take care of. Accidental loss of a lens results in minimal expense. My main criterion for fitting youngsters with contacts is motivation. If a young person wants to wear lenses, they are almost always successful. All it takes is a little patience when teaching the intricacies of lens insertion and removal.
