Kids Eyeglasses: Frames and Lenses for Children

A child's vision is constantly changing, which means their prescription may change as they grow. That's why an annual eye exam is essential to children's eye care.

At Pearle Vision, we offer a comprehensive eye exam that can help check your child's vision as it develops. If they need a new prescription, our eye care experts can help you pick the perfect pair of kids eyeglasses after your exam. You'll be able to choose from a variety of frames, lenses, and designer brands that will make your child look, feel, and see great.

Below, we'll discuss how to tell if your child needs glasses, how to understand kids eyeglass prescriptions, and how to choose the perfect pair for your little one.

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.

How to Tell if Your Child Needs Glasses

The only way to know for sure if your child needs glasses is to have an optometrist or other licensed vision professional give them a comprehensive eye exam. In general, your child will need glasses if they have poor vision that is impacting their ability to engage in life activities.

Common signs that your child may need eyeglasses include:

• Your child is frequently squinting, especially when they are looking at either near or far objects
• Your child frequently complains about headaches
• Your child holds objects unusually close to or far away from their face
• Your child is frequently rubbing their eyes, or showing other signs of eye fatigue
• Your child is having problems in school with academic performance
• Your child says that they have trouble seeing the board or reading materials in class
• Your child has excessive sensitivity to light or excessively squints in bright light conditions
• Your child tilts their head frequently, especially when looking at something
• Your child covers one eye frequently, especially when looking at something

Luckily, children's eyeglasses can make a tremendous difference in their lives.

Pearle Vision is here to help you and your child with every step of the process, from conducting the eye exam to helping you and your child pick out the right frames and lenses.

Schedule an eye exam for your child today.

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)

Choosing the Right Kids Eyeglasses Frames

We offer a range of children's eyewear frame shapes and styles in some of the most popular designer brands. You can also choose from a variety of shapes to complement your child's face. Before picking out frames for your kid's eyeglasses, view our face shape guide to learn which frame styles would look best and how should glasses fit on a child.

In addition to the brand and shape, you'll also want to consider what material your kid's frames are made of. Lightweight and durable frames are ideal for children, especially those who play sports. While there are various styles to choose from, the two best materials for kids eyeglasses are acetate and metal.

It is always best to heavily involve your child in the kids eyeglasses selection process. This will ensure they are happy with the way their glasses look and feel, as well as make them more likely to wear their glasses regularly.

Here are some tips to consider when choosing the right kids eyeglasses:

• Choose a kid-friendly optician with a welcoming atmosphere
• Consider durability
• Ensure that the frames fit well and are comfortable
• Choose a favorite color or style
• Consider character-themed frames
• Make the experience positive by being encouraging and upbeat
• Consider the child's lifestyle, especially if they are involved in sports or similar activities
• Educate your child about the importance of glasses
• Get a backup pair

It is strongly recommended that you bring your child to a Pearle Vision location to select their glasses. You are significantly more likely to select a pair that fits your child properly and comfortably, versus virtually trying on frames online.

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.

Choosing the Right Lenses for Your Children

When it comes to kids eyeglasses, choosing the right lens material is just as important as choosing the right frame material. You'll want something durable, light, and scratch-resistant to ensure they last your child a long time. We recommend staying away from types of lenses for glasses made of glass because they are heavy and can break easily compared to other materials.

If your kid needs eyeglasses, polycarbonate is the best lens option. The material is impact-resistant, making it safer than glass lenses. It also has built-in protection against UV rays, so your child's eyes are protected both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, this type of lens is lightweight, which makes it more comfortable to wear.

Polycarbonate lenses are:

• Durable: Polycarbonate lenses are 10 times more impact-resistant than plastic lenses, making them ideal for children involved in sports.
• Lightweight: Lighter and thinner than plastic and glass lenses, polycarbonate lenses make for a more comfortable and attractive fit.
• UV and Blue Light Resistant: Polycarbonate material is a natural UV filter that can block over 99% of the sun's rays and blue light emitted from digital screens without the need for extra coatings.

Once you have decided what lens material you want, you also may need to choose between different lens coatings. Some of the most popular and beneficial include:

• Anti-reflective coating (AR): Reduces glare and reflections, improving vision in low-light conditions.
• Anti-scratch coating: Protects lenses from minor scratches.
• Impact-resistant coating: Provides an extra layer of protection from bumps and falls.
• Photochromic coating: Darkens in response to UV light, providing indoor and outdoor functionality.
• Hydrophobic coating: Repels water, which makes cleaning easier and protects against water spots.
• Oleophobic coating: Repels oil and fingerprints, keeping lenses clearer and easier to clean.
• Anti-fog coating: Prevents fogging of the lenses and is especially useful during temperature changes.

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!

Kids Eyeglasses FAQs

How much do kids glasses usually cost?

The cost of kids eyeglasses can vary, ranging anywhere from $50 to $300. Eyewear that costs more is typically designed for a specific purpose or made by a designer brand. Some of the factors that influence the price of kids eyeglasses include:

• Frame material
• Frame brand
• Type of lens
• Lens coatings and features
• Complexity of the prescription
• Insurance coverage

What frame material is recommended for kids?

In general, the two most highly recommended frame materials for kids glasses are acetate and metal. Acetate is lightweight, durable, and is available in a wide variety of color and style options. Acetate is also hypoallergenic for children with metal allergies. Metal frames are durable, lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily adjustable. Examples of metals that are used for kids eyeglass frames include stainless steel, titanium, and aluminum.

What lenses are best for kids?

Polycarbonate lenses are generally considered the best for kids eyeglasses. Polycarbonate lenses are durable, lightweight, and both UV and blue light resistant. Some of the major advantages of polycarbonate lenses include how comfortable they are, how visually attractive they are, that they protect the eyes, and that they are an excellent choice for children who engage in physical activity or with electronic devices.

Can I use insurance to purchase children's glasses?

In many cases, yes, you can use insurance to purchase children's glasses. However, in general, you will need vision insurance, as medical insurance plans do not typically provide vision coverage, especially for eyeglasses. If you are unsure of what your vision insurance will cover, we recommend contacting your provider.