Why is fit so important for children’s glasses?
Kids resist glasses for predictable reasons: they feel uncomfortable, they look ‘uncool,’ or they seem too fragile for an active life. Fit solves the first and last of those, and a good frame selection takes care of the middle. Children’s frames should not be too big or too small. They should not touch the cheekbone, should not sit higher than the eyebrow, and should never be wider than the face itself.
Just as important, the optical center of each lens has to line up with the center of your child’s pupil. Even small fitting errors make a prescription noticeably less effective, which is why frames for kids should be fitted by an eye care professional rather than chosen from a rack. Smaller frames tend to be easier for children to forget about, as long as they are large enough to see comfortably in every direction. And resist the temptation to buy a frame your child can grow into — an oversized pair sits wrong now, and vision correction is about now.
How should kids’ glasses fit on the nose and temples?
Children have small noses and low bridges, so the nose support has to fit precisely and comfortably. Frames that rest on pressure points will not get worn. Padded bridges — including newer gel padding — make a real difference, and our specialists will check that the frame sits evenly without pinching or sliding.
At the temples, the frame should feel secure without pressure and without being loose. Spring hinges add strength and forgiveness for a long life of wear, and sport temples — flexible arms shaped to curl gently around a child’s ear — are another good option for active kids or younger children.
What are children’s frames made of?
Children’s frames need three things: they must be very strong, break-resistant and light. The ideal frame is made from a flexible material that can be bent without snapping. Titanium is an excellent choice for that reason — light, strong and resilient — and modern flexible plastics serve the same purpose. Fully plastic sports frames with hingeless temples and an elastic head strap are available for the roughest play.
- Strong, flexible frame materials such as titanium
- Spring hinges or hingeless sport designs
- Padded or gel nose bridges sized for small faces
- Sport temples that wrap comfortably around the ear
Which lenses are best for kids?
Polycarbonate lenses are more impact-resistant than standard lenses, which makes them the right choice for children’s glasses. Add a scratch-resistant coating for durability and an anti-reflective coating for cleaner vision, and consider photochromic lenses, which darken in sunlight and clear indoors — effectively two pairs in one, with no switching and no second pair to misplace. Lens tints for specific sports and conditions are available as well.
How do we make glasses something kids want to wear?
The most important part of choosing eyewear is choosing it with your child. Our specialists narrow the wall down to frames that fit properly and suit the prescription, and then your child picks. Frames that are fun, colorful and comfortable are far more likely to be worn, and when children wear their glasses consistently they do better at everything — sports and games as much as reading and schoolwork.
The boutique carries sport-minded names such as Nike and Oakley alongside our other collections; ask us which styles come in youth sizes.
Do you have sports glasses and sunglasses for kids?
Sports-related eye injuries are common in children, so if your child plays, protective sports eyewear is worth it. Many designs are shaped to fit comfortably inside helmets for baseball, hockey and football, and lens tints, anti-reflective coatings and photochromic options help in different playing conditions. We will help you choose the right pair for your child’s sport.
For sun, children need protection even more than adults because they spend so much time outdoors. Wide-lens sunglasses protect the eyes and the skin around them, and we offer kids’ prescription and polarized sunglasses in both boutiques.
Kids’ eyewear near Scranton
Families from Old Forge, Clarks Summit and throughout the Scranton area bring their children to us for glasses that fit right and last. If your child is due for an exam, our pediatric eye care visits pair naturally with a frame fitting. Call Old Forge at 570-451-2020 or Clarks Summit at 570-585-0000.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if my child’s glasses fit correctly?
- The frame should sit centered on the face without touching the cheeks, rising above the eyebrows, or extending wider than the face, and it should not slide down the nose. Red marks, constant pushing-up or tilting are signs it needs adjustment — bring it in.
- Should I buy glasses my child can grow into?
- No. An oversized frame sits in the wrong place, and the lens centers will not line up with your child’s pupils, which makes the prescription less effective. Fit the child you have today.
- What lenses are safest for children?
- Polycarbonate lenses. They are more impact-resistant than standard lenses, and we recommend them for children’s glasses and for sports eyewear.
- Can my child get sunglasses in their prescription?
- Yes. We offer children’s prescription and polarized sunglasses, and photochromic lenses are a good alternative for kids who already wear glasses.
- Does my child need an eye exam before getting glasses?
- Yes — a current prescription is the starting point. If your child has not had a recent exam, we can schedule a pediatric eye exam and fit frames during the same visit.
Ready when you are
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