It is very important to check children's vision frequently to detect possible problems that may be affecting the child's life and even their school performance. Sometimes, the headaches can be of visual origin and we must visit the ophthalmologist to assess it.
When they tell you that your child needs glasses and you put yourself in front of hundreds of models for the first time there are some things you should know before buying them just for the appearance. Two of my three daughters wear glasses and I've been through that, so I give you seven tips to choose the most appropriate glasses for each child.
That they like
The first thing is to involve the child in the choice of his glasses, if he is of adequate age, of course. It is he who will wear them every day and should feel comfortable with them. You must owe them as something beautiful and you want to wear them, and not as an enemy. That's why you like it is important.
What material to choose?
Boy's glasses they must be sturdy and light. For the little ones, silicone mounts They are the best option because they are more flexible and prevents breakage. In children older than five years, the most recommended are acetate frames, since they better conceal the thickness of the lens and tend to be more difficult to break than metal or injected plastic frames.
For children with nickel allergy, frames made from pure titanium are a good choice.
Round, square, big, small ...?
Today there are hundreds of models of children's glasses. Colored, metal, large, small, round, square ...
The size of the glasses will depend on the size of the eye orbits and the distance between the child's eyes.
It is a mistake to think that you have to buy the biggest glasses for when the child grows up. The central part of the glasses should fit the central part of the pupils and they must be large enough so you can see comfortably in all directions. But be careful, they must not exceed the line of the eyebrows nor be wider than the child's face.
That are comfortable
The indispensable requirement. The glasses should be comfortable and as rigid as possible so that it doesn't bother them to wear them. Both the rods and the terminals, the part of the spectacle that surrounds the ear, must be flexible and adjustable. It is also recommended that the rods have a spring hinge so that they do not break when put on and removed.
The children run, jump, play in the playground and the glasses have to be part of them, so they don't feel they are wearing them. It is important that they do not move when you turn your head or look down. They must go tightly fitting behind the ears, but without harming them. It is also important that the glasses do not sit on the cheeks or produce pressure marks or discomfort.
To do this, it is advisable to wear “stoppers” on the sideburns, which hug the child's ear and make the glasses not fall off, instead of the typical tape that passes behind the head that may be more uncomfortable.
As for the bridge of the nose, the glasses for children they must have the maximum possible contact surface. When they are smaller and do not yet have a well defined nasal bridge, full-bridge frames are preferable, so the weight of the glasses is better distributed.
Some glasses have a split bridge, which as the child grows can leave marks on the nose, but there are gel pads that can be a good solution.
It is also important that the glasses do not sit on the cheeks or produce pressure marks or discomfort.
Do you play sports?
If the child practices ball or contact sports, the glasses must be adequate and safe so that they can make quick movements without risk. Even so, there are specific sports frames made entirely of plastic, with rods without hinges. For the pool, there are also swimming goggles with prescription lenses.
In each case, it will be necessary to assess the use that will be given to them, the graduation that the child needs and if it is worth investing in this type of glasses.
Do not rush to buy
Buying glasses is not something to be taken lightly. The child's visual health is very important and glasses that are not suitable for him can make the situation worse.
Be patient, ask a professional for help and take the time to test models, find a price and find the best glasses for your child.
