25% Off Everything. Use Code: SITEWIDE

Shop Sale
Dresden Logo
  1. VOLUME 46: How To Choose Prescription Glasses For Children?

VOLUME 46: How To Choose Prescription Glasses For Children?

Tuesday, 22 April 2025
A cheerful young boy in glasses relaxes outside, illustrating Dresden Vision New Zealands expert advice on selecting durable and stylish prescription eyewear for kids.

Selecting the ideal prescription glasses for your child is a crucial decision that can impact both their eyesight and self-esteem. With numerous options on the market, it can be challenging to know where to begin. This guide will help you navigate the essential factors to keep in mind when choosing glasses for your child — including fit, frame style, lens choices, and tips for helping them adjust to wearing glasses.

Why is selecting the right glasses for children so crucial?

Choosing the right pair of glasses plays a vital role in your child’s vision, comfort, and overall well-being. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

  • Comfort: Ill-fitting glasses can cause discomfort, headaches, and irritation. A pair that fits well ensures your child will wear them consistently.
  • Eye health: Properly fitted glasses can help prevent eye strain, which is important for maintaining good eye health, particularly with increased screen time.
  • Vision clarity: Glasses correct vision issues like short-sightedness, long-sightedness, and astigmatism. A precise prescription ensures your child’s vision is sharp, which supports their learning and social interactions.

What should parents consider when choosing glasses for their children?

When selecting glasses for your child, there are several important factors to keep in mind:

  • Prescription: Ensure you have the most current prescription from an optometrist, particularly if it’s your child’s first pair. An updated prescription ensures the glasses meet their vision requirements.
  • Frame size and shape:
  • Durability and flexibility: Children’s glasses need to withstand daily wear and tear. Opt for lightweight materials and consider frames with spring hinges for added durability and to help prevent breakage.
  • Style and colour:

How can you ensure your child’s glasses fit comfortably?

A comfortable fit is essential for encouraging your child to wear glasses consistently. Here’s how to choose durable and stylish glasses for active children:

Key fitting tips

  • Nose pads: Adjustable nose pads help the glasses sit correctly on the nose, preventing them from slipping and reducing discomfort.
  • Temples: The arms of the glasses should rest comfortably behind the ears without pinching. Adjustable temples can help achieve the perfect fit.
  • Frame width: The frame should match the width of your child’s face, ensuring no pressure on the temples or nose.

Measuring for a good fit

  • Pupil distance (PD): This measurement, which is the distance between the pupils' centres, is important for ensuring the lenses are properly centred.
  • Try-on: Let your child try on different frames to find the one that feels most comfortable and fits best.

A well-fitted pair of glasses is more than just about vision clarity—it can also improve your child’s ability to focus and pay attention, especially in the classroom. Understanding how glasses can enhance focus for children with vision issues can help you select the right pair.

Which frame styles are most suitable for children’s glasses?

While kids enjoy playful colours, it’s important to choose a frame style that fits their face shape and active lifestyle.

Popular Frame Styles for Kids:

Dresden Image

Understanding which frame styles are ideal for daily wear can help you select the perfect pair for your child.

What lens options are available for children's glasses?

Selecting the right lenses for your child requires considering both their vision needs and daily activities.

Lens Types to Consider

  • Single vision lenses: These lenses correct a single vision issue, such as short-sightedness or long-sightedness, making them an excellent choice for children needing basic vision correction.
  • Progressive lenses: If your child shows signs of presbyopia (early age-related vision changes), progressive lenses provide a smooth transition between various distances for clearer vision.
  • Blue light filter lenses: For children who use digital devices often, blue light filter lenses can help prevent eye strain and improve sleep by reducing exposure to harmful blue light.
  • Photochromic lenses: These lenses automatically adjust to light changes, offering indoor and outdoor protection, perfect for children with an active lifestyle.

Durability and lens coatings

  • Scratch-resistant coating: Kids can be rough on their glasses, so choosing lenses with a scratch-resistant coating ensures they last longer.
  • Anti-reflective coating: This coating reduces glare from screens and bright light sources, improving visual comfort and clarity.

Additional considerations

Learning about the various treatments for childhood astigmatism can assist you in choosing the most suitable lenses for your child’s vision. If your child has astigmatism or another specific condition, your optometrist may suggest custom lens options to address it effectively.

How can you help your child get used to wearing glasses?

Adjusting to wearing glasses regularly can take time. Here are some tips to make the transition easier:

  • Start gradually: Begin by encouraging your child to wear their glasses for short periods each day, then slowly extend the time as they get more comfortable.
  • Make it fun: Let your child pick out their own frames to give them a sense of ownership and excitement about wearing glasses.
  • Positive reinforcement: Celebrate and praise your child when they wear their glasses, even if it’s just for a short time.
  • Lead by example: If you wear glasses, set a positive example by wearing them regularly and with enthusiasm.

Ready to pick out your child’s glasses?

Selecting prescription glasses for your child can be a straightforward process. By focusing on factors like comfort, durability, and the appropriate lenses, you can provide your child with the best eyewear for their needs. With Dresden Vision, finding affordable, high-quality glasses made from sustainable materials is simple, plus they come with a 10-year warranty.

If you're looking for stylish, durable, and budget-friendly glasses for your child, Dresden Vision makes it easy to find the perfect pair.