10 Expert Tips for Choosing Kids’ Eyeglasses
What you need to know about choosing kids’ eyeglasses.
12
min read
Reviewed on
June 27, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Jonathan Gula
What you need to know about choosing kids’ eyeglasses.
June 27, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Jonathan Gula
What you need to know about choosing kids’ eyeglasses.
June 27, 2024
Written by
Katherine Solem
Expert review by
Jonathan Gula
If your child has been prescribed eyeglasses, you might feel overwhelmed. Not only are you navigating their emotions – and yours! – but you might feel unsure of how to pick out the right pair.
We’re here to help guide you through the process to make it easier for you and your child. Here are 10 expert-approved tips for picking out prescription eyeglasses that will suit your child perfectly.
“The best pair of glasses are the ones your kid is going to wear when they need them,” says XP Health optical manager (and proud new father) Jonathan Gula. “Involving them in the process will help them be more receptive to wearing glasses, instead of them feeling forced into doing it.”
For many kids, this means letting them pick out glasses in their favorite color or with their favorite movie or TV show character. Remember, this is about how your child feels when they’re wearing them, so anything that gets them excited about wearing glasses is a win.
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Now that you’ve got a sense of frame color or characters, you’ll want to narrow down your options by frame size.
Gula says the best indicator of a good frame fit in kids is eye size. Eye size is the measure of the eyeglasses across the longest length of the lens, from left to right (not top to bottom). This ensures that the lens will adequately cover the eye so that your child can see well.
There are a couple of ways to figure out your child’s eye size for glasses. The easiest is if your kiddo already has a well-fitting pair of sunglasses. If so, check inside the temple arm (the part that goes along the side of your head and wraps around the ear). There may be an eye size measurement written there. It will be the first number in a two-number series: Eye size and then nose bridge size. Eye size for kids will typically be somewhere between 30 to 55 millimeters.
If that’s not an option, here are some eye size ranges based on your child’s age:
“When in doubt, err on the side of slightly larger eye size,” says Gula. “This helps make sure they won’t outgrow the frames too quickly.”
To search by eye size in our online store:
“Kids’ frames are made to be flexible and durable to withstand their active lives,” says Gula. That’s why most kids’ frames are made of acetate plastic or other flexible material. You’ll find the largest selection of frames in plastic, especially for the youngest glasses wearers. Frames with adjustable nose pads, like those for kids with a low nose bridge, are usually metal. But we also have a small selection of plastic frames with nose pads.
Rest assured that all kids’ frames can withstand a little water if they get wet or for regular cleanings.
Another advantage of most kids’ frames? Spring hinges. They offer more give as kids put on and take off their glasses. Because, let’s face it, kids are not always the most gentle creatures. Plus, Gula points out, spring hinges allow the head to grow comfortably before you move up in frame size.
Of all the body measurements you know about your child, this one might stump you. The nose bridge is the bony part of the nose, where the glasses rest on the face. If your child has a low nose bridge, you want to look for low-nose-bridge glasses. These glasses come with wider nose pads and other adjustments to help the glasses sit more comfortably and securely on your child’s face. Low-nose-bridge glasses might also be more comfortable for kids with wide faces or high cheekbones.
How do you know if your child has a low nose bridge?
“One indication is if the bony part of their nose sits at or below the level of their pupils,” says Gula. The other is if glasses regularly slide down their nose.
We carry an array of glasses for low nose bridges. To search by bridge width in our online store:
Another option is to look for glasses with adjustable nose pads, says Gula.
Now that you’ve narrowed the choices down a bit, let your child try on the frames at home. Not only will this help ensure a good fit, but it can be a chance for your child to help make the final choice of what frames to buy. Plus, notes Gula, it will give your child a chance to experience what wearing glasses will feel like.
Many of our kids’ glasses are available for home try-on. To shop by home try-on in our online store:
When it comes to lenses, we’ve got you covered. First, all XP Health lenses are made of polycarbonate material. If your child has a strong prescription, Gula suggests avoiding ultra-thin lens material and sticking with polycarbonate.
“Polycarbonate is shatter- and impact-resistant,” says Gula. “It’s the best and safest option for kids.”
Next, all XP Health lenses come standard with full UVA and UVB protection. Kids’ eyes are especially susceptible to damage from the sun’s UV rays, so keeping them protected is important. Our lenses also come standard with other important features to keep up with your active kiddo, like anti-glare protection, blue light filtering, and dust, smudge, scratch, and water resistance.
Flips on the monkey bars? Bending down to pick up a rock or ball? Kids rarely stay upright for long. That’s why many kids’ eyeglasses come with extra security to help them stay on their face – and off the floor.
“Loop straps, which wrap around the back of the head, are great for younger kids,” advises Gula. “Temple wraps, which hook around the back of the ear, are good for older kids.”
It’s normal for kids to be wary of something new, especially something they now have to wear all the time. To help your kiddo ease into wearing glasses, start by having them wear them first thing in the morning, advises Gula.
“This is when the eyes and the brain are fresh and well-rested.”
If your child is resistant to wearing glasses, start with just 20 minutes on the first day. Then, if possible, add 20 minutes a day until you build up to a full day’s wear. Expect that it can take up to 10 days or more for your child to adjust.
If your child is young, it may help to talk about the new superpowers the glasses give their eyes. For older kids, you can focus on the benefits, like being able to see the board or better spot their friends on the playground.
You’ve finally landed on glasses that fit well and that your child wears. Don’t pop the champagne just yet. You’ve got one more important step: order a second pair.
“This is one of my top tips for parents,” says Gula. “Don’t wait until you need them – it will be too late. Order that second pair of glasses now.”
Check your XP Health vision care plan to see if an extra pair of glasses for your dependents is covered at no additional cost. Plans vary by client.
Gula’s other top tip: “If they’re not on your face, they’re in the case.” Storing your glasses in their case will keep them safer. Bonus: you know where to find them when you’re scrambling to get out the door.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s eyeglasses, contact our Member Experience team. Reach us by chat, phone or text at (888) 974-3020, or email at concierge@xphealth.co. We can help answer questions about frame fit, check warranty coverage, and more. Our top priority is making sure you and your family see well and comfortably!
