Grady Gets Glasses, a new program offered by Bissell Eye Care provides a book written by a retired school teacher and local author, Dede Rittman, to young children who receive their first pair of glasses. It talks about the importance of being able to see better and how glasses will help.

For parents of young children, learning your child needs glasses may be a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll be amazed at the difference in their ability to see clearly and function better. All of the doctors at Bissell Eye Care have young children, so we are accustomed to working with kids of all ages. You may recall a while back, Dr. Long shared her own story about her son’s vision deficit.

Here are some things to consider when choosing your child’s frames. There are more and more options for glasses for young kids, but keep in mind you need to find frames that fit small faces. Different brands offer warranties, for both the frames and the lenses, so be sure to ask. There are three criteria when shopping for frames… FIT, FUNCTION, and FASHION in that order.

Fit is crucial. Glasses need to fit your child today and not size up for future growth. Glasses that fit well stay put, encouraging your child to look through the appropriate part of the lens. They are more comfortable, which encourages compliance, and honestly, they look more attractive. In small children, bigger is definitely not better when it comes to frames. Bigger frames mean bigger lenses that can cause the frames to slide down their nose. Frames that fit well don’t move even while laying down or rough play.

Function. Frame types vary, but the three basic types are wire, flexible, and plastic. The fit is a huge factor in function because glasses that fit well function well. Age and activity of the child go hand in hand when choosing a frame. If you have an infant or an active toddler that needs glasses, you will likely want something flexible and as close to indestructible as you can get, like Miraflex. An older child active in sports may also need a second pair of glasses that are sports goggles. A child who requires an exact bifocal line may do much better wearing a wire frame with nose pads because it gives you the best adjustability.

Fashion is the last on to consider. Glasses that fit and function well for your child are the most important thing, but they will still look adorable in properly fit glasses. Having concerns about your child’s appearance is expected. Be sure not to get caught up in the fashion of the frames if it is to the detriment of fit and function.

With school shopping just around the corner, make sure an eye checkup is on your TO DO list before school starts. Call our offices at 724-443-6767 or 724-226-0444 to schedule your appointment.

About the author: John D. Bissell, owner of Bissell Eye Care and Tri-State Low Vision Services, offers comprehensive eye examinations for the entire family, ocular disease detection and treatment, eye glasses, sun glasses, active wear, contact lenses, and low vision examinations for those with significant vision loss. He has undergone specialized training for treatment of low vision by the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists utilizing customized telescopic eyeglasses, prisms and telescopic implants for patients who qualify. The practice accepts most types of vision and health insurance plans.