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  • Writer's pictureCassandra Van Vliet

How to Choose the Right Eyewear for your Child: A guide for parents



We understand that as a parent, you want to make sure that your child has everything they need to grow up healthy and happy. That includes taking care of their eyesight! If your child needs glasses, you may be wondering how to choose the right eyewear for them. We've got a lineup of tips to help you make the best choice.


1. Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam

The first step in choosing the right eyewear for everyone, no matter their age, is making sure that you get a comprehensive eye exam. This exam will help determine the type and severity of your child's vision problem, or whether or not they need glasses at all! But before you book, make sure you do your research when heading to the clinic and ensure you're seeing an optometrist who has experience working with children.


2. Consider Your Child's Lifestyle

Every kid is different, and it's important to consider their lifestyle and hobbies when choosing a pair of glasses for them. Do they play lots of sports? If so, then you'll want to choose glasses that are durable and provide a good range of peripheral vision. If your child absolutely loves the outdoors and can't wait for recess to come around, you may want to choose glasses that offer significant UV protection; on the other end of the spectrum, if your child is a serial gamer a pair of glasses with blue light protection are a must.


3. Choose the Right Frame

Frames come in many different shapes, styles and materials - because of the variety of options it makes it easy to choose a frame that fits your child perfectly. For younger children, flexible frames made of materials like rubber or plastic are a good choice; they're less likely to break and can withstand rough handling. For older children, metal or acetate frames may be more appropriate. Also, it's important to consider your child's face shape when picking out their eyewear, the right frame shape on the face makes all the difference!


4. Look at different Lens Options

Just as there are many different frames to choose from, there are lots of different lens options to consider when choosing eyewear for your child. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and impact-resistant, making them a good choice for children who play sports or are rough on their glasses. Anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare and improve vision. Photochromic lenses can darken in the sun, eliminating the need for separate sunglasses. There are probably more lens options than you think, if you want more clarity or need help choosing between different options, check out KITS' lens options guide here.


5. Involve Your Child in the Decision

It goes without saying that your child will be way more excited about wearing their glasses if they like them. Make improving your child's vision a fun activity, and explore the options together! Involve your child in the decision-making process by letting them choose the frame they like best. You can narrow down the choices based on practical considerations, but make sure your child finds a pair of glasses that they feel confident and able to express themselves in!


Finding the right fit when it comes to choosing eyewear for your children is a must, and we hope that with these tips, you'll be able to make the best choice for your child's vision. If you still need a little help in knowing where to start, check out our favourite kids frames from KITS' selection here.

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