Anyone who wears prescription glasses will tell you that the styles and options today have never been better! Long gone are the days of old-looking plastic or wire frames in the same old brown or black colors. Not only are the styles better, the stigma placed on those that wear glasses has improved. People now opt to wear glasses for the pure fashion-ability of it and wearing fashion frames has become a way to make a statement without spending a fortune on a new wardrobe.
Just as eyeglass styles have changed for adults, the options have changed for children of all ages as well. There are more brands, styles, and colors that better suit kids than there used to be. The biggest difference between the frames worn by adults and those worn by kids is the size of the frame itself. Whether your kid is sporty, bookish, or a trendsetter, there is a style available to suit your child’s personality.
Discovering that your child needs glasses can be just as difficult for you, the parent, as it is for your child. It’s hard to get used to the idea of wearing glasses every day for the rest of your life! The first thing you need to do as a parent is have a heart-to-heart with your son or daughter. The topic should revolve around the importance of wearing glasses. Your child should understand that wearing glasses is important for their eye sight and without glasses; it’ll be hard for him or her to see. You may want to explain the importance of proper eye care and why taking care of his or her eyeglasses will make seeing easier. Boys tend to be a bit rougher on things like their clothing, so you may want to stress how breakable glasses are.
Since kids are so active, when the time comes to pick out a pair of frames, pay special attention to the type of glasses your kid is interested in. Materials range from titanium and various metals, to plastic. Titanium is strong and resistant but not always the most attractive looking. Metal can bend and break more easily but tends to be a favorite for kids. Plastic frames are durable but can snap in half more easily if mishandled. The older your child is, the easier it is for them to understand that taking care of their frames is important.
Another thing to consider when choosing the final pair of glasses is the lens type and what, if any, additions you would like. Kids are accident prone and if your child is athletic, you should opt for polycarbonate lenses. This lens is impact resistant and made from a high grade of plastic. If your child has sinus problems or allergies, a thinner, lighter plastic lens is appropriate. It’ll stay light on his or her face, keeping the sinuses from feeling any pressure. Overall, plastic lenses are lighter and safer than glass lenses. There are some lens additions that are necessary and others that are seen as cosmetic. Your child’s glasses should have an ultra violet (UV) coating to protect his or her eyes from the sun’s damaging rays. There are additional coatings you can have placed on the lenses like anti-glare and scratch-resistant coatings. The anti-glare coating will help deflect reflections coming from any computer or electronic device, while the scratch-resistant coating will help keep your child’s lenses from getting scratched up by accident. The scratch-resistant coating does not make your child’s glasses scratch proof – so keep that in mind.
When helping your child get used to the idea of wearing eyeglasses frames, it’s important to keep a positive attitude because your child may get frustrated and may not want to wear glasses. Showing your child that wearing prescription glasses can be a positive experience that yields positive rewards will help them in the long run. Wearing glasses doesn’t have to be a losing battle or a negative experience for kids.
Hillary Glaser is a social networking specialist and expert in cross-media promotion, currently working on promoting prescription eyeglasses. She is the Director of Marketing and Special Projects for GlassesUSA.com – the easiest way to buy glasses online, which now offers free shipping on all US orders with the code FreeShip10.