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EYEWEAR Ensure that glasses stay in place

Children’s frames are made of either plastic or metal. In the past, plastic eyeglasses were a better choice for children because they were considered more durable, less likely to be bent or broken, lighter in weight and less expensive. But now manufacturers are making metal frames that incorporate these features as well. Hypoallergenic materials are available as well.

One of the toughest parts about choosing suitable frames for kids is that their noses are not fully developed, so they don’t have a bridge to prevent plastic frames from sliding down. Metal frames, however, are usually made with adjustable nose pads, so they fit everyone’s bridge. Most manufacturers recognise this difficulty with plastic frames and make their bridges to fit small noses.

Each frame must be evaluated individually to make sure it fits the bridge. If there are any gaps between the bridge of the frame and the bridge of the nose, the weight of the lenses will cause the glasses to slide, no matter how well the frame seems to fit before the lenses are made. It is important that the glasses stay in place, because kids have a tendency to look right over the tops of the lenses instead of pushing slipping glasses back up where they belong.

Temples that wrap all the way around the back of the ear are helpful in making sure that the glasses don’t slide down or drop off a child’s face completely. These are referred to as cable temples. They are generally available on metal frames and are especially helpful to keep glasses in place on toddlers.

Cable temples are not a good choice for part-time eyeglass wearers, however, as they are a bit more awkward to put on and take off. For glasses that go on and off frequently, it is better to have regular, or “skull,” temples that go straight back and then curve gently around the back of the ear.

These special hinges allow the temples to flex outward, away from the frames, without causing any damage. Although they sometimes cost a bit more, spring hinges can be a worthwhile investment on children’s eyewear. Kids are not always careful when they put on and take off glasses, and the spring hinges can help prevent costly repairs. They also come in handy if the child falls asleep with the glasses on, or just has a rough day at play. Spring hinges are strongly recommended for toddlers, who sometimes get carried away playing with their new glasses.

Overall, important considerations are soft bridge pads, comfortable nose pads and sturdy spring hinges.

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