5 IMPORTANT things to know when buying your child’s first pair of glasses
Like any purchase that you intend to make, you need to do your research. Here is a comprehensive list of things you need to take note of when buying your child his/her first pair of glasses.
Clear vision to see the world clearly.
For our little ones, it’s essential that they understand the need for them to wear glasses. Being parents, we need to calmly explain to them why glasses are helpful for their eyes. It’s not something to be ashamed or embarrassed about. In fact, it’s a great first step in taking care of their eyes and preventing vision conditions like myopia from progressing.
One of the many firsts in life.
When it’s time for your child to get his/her first pair of glasses, you might be wondering where to start and how to make the best decision. Well, there are a variety of factors that come into play when buying the right first pair of glasses for them. Here are 5 tips to know of when finding that perfect first one:
1. Know the prescription
First and foremost, it’s important to know why your child is getting glasses before you actually purchase them. Arrange a short consultation with your optometrist and ask him/her about your child’s vision health. Remember to also ask if there are any medications that your child would have to take in addition to wearing glasses. Thereafter, your optometrist will guide you through the process on how they will go about making the lenses and when you can collect them.
2. Getting that perfect fit
Just like a pair of jeans, you’d want your child’s first pair of spectacles to be neither too tight, or too loose. They have to be just right. In fact, one of the toughest parts about choosing a pair of spectacles for your little one is selecting a suitable frame for them. You would want the bridge to fit perfectly to prevent any discomfort. Examine each frame as thoroughly as possible to ensure there aren’t any gaps between the bridge of the spectacle frame, and the bridge of your child’s nose. You will likely need the help of your optometrist to measure this for your child.
3. Got a hunch they might need a hinge?
For some of our younger ones, they might encounter difficulty putting on and taking off their glasses which could potentially lead to some hefty repairs. To prevent this, you can consider getting hinges on your child’s glasses. These hinges are placed at the back of the glasses and wrap comfortably around your child’s ears. They help to hold the spectacles in place and prevents it for slipping off if your child engages in any rigorous activities.
4. Material matters
Remember, your child is going to be using these pair of glasses for a long time to come. So besides fit and comfort, you’re child is going to need a good pair of lenses to see through. Children’s spectacles are usually made of polycarbonate as this material is relatively more durable than other types of lens materials.
Try to avoid purchasing glass material lenses, though. While glass is typically more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, glass lenses are more fragile and this could pose as a safety concern for our little ones. Moreover, glass lenses are much heavier than polycarbonate lenses which may be more uncomfortable.
5. Get a backup
In the unfortunate event that your child accidentally breaks or loses his/her glasses, you’re going to want to have a spare on hand – especially if your child needs them to see clearly. While you’re at the optometry shop buying your child’s first pair of glasses, do ask if there are discounts for a second pair. This way, you’re not only prepared for the unforeseen, but you might also get a bang for your buck – a win-win!
Before you proceed to buy your child’s first pair of glasses, it’s important to consult your optometrist to get a clear understanding about your little one’s eye health. Children’s eyes develop quickly, so it’s important to attend annual eye exams to keep track of their visual development. Book a comprehensive eye exam today at planoeyecheck.com!
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