How Should Glasses Fit on a Child?

23-10-2019

The best way to ensure glasses fit well is to bring them into an optical store. However, if you order your glasses online or don’t live near a store, that may not be an option. Eyewear that is ordered online often needs to be resized to ensure a comfortable, custom fit. A cozy fit is even more critical for a child, who will be less likely to wear glasses if they aren’t right.

The great news is that all adjustments are free forever at For Eyes, so even if you’re not a customer with us, we can adjust your child’s glasses at no cost. If you’re not sure how glasses should fit on a child or don’t have the time to fix them, there are some guidelines you should know. 

Tips for How Glasses Should Fit on a Child

Glasses may look one way in a store but fit the exact opposite when you try them on. Some kids take time to adjust to glasses and need help with the transition. If your child isn’t comfortable in their new glasses, they may not wear them at school, which is one of the times they need glasses the most. After all, glasses can promote better reading comprehension, improve symptoms of digital eye strain, and help your child see better. 

Understanding how glasses should fit on a child is necessary to ensure your child’s comfort. Here are our tips for fitting children’s glasses:

Tip #1: The glasses should be about the size of your child’s eye sockets. 

As adults, we can get away with oversized glasses and thick frames. However, children need something more comfortable that doesn’t weigh their face down. A child’s glasses should fit over their eye sockets without extending down the cheeks. 

If the glasses look too big, they probably are too big. Too large of glasses can put excess weight on your child’s nose, causing the frames to fall. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also impact your child's ability to see. There should also only be a slight space above the bridge of your child’s glasses. 

If the glasses appear to be the right size, but they’re still falling, your child may need lighter frames or to have the bridge adjusted. If your child has a high prescription, an unfit bridge can make it challenging to see because the lenses may not fully cover your child’s eyes. 

The bridge may need tightening if the glasses are falling down your child’s face. Fortunately, if your child’s glasses have nose pads, they can be adjusted. Bear in mind that you may need to inspect the nose pads every so often to ensure they’re not leaving dark marks on your child’s face when they remove their glasses. Light lines are nothing to be concerned about, but if the nose pads are too tight, they can cause discomfort and leave noticeable marks. If your child’s glasses don’t have adjustable nose pads, the temples may need tightening. 

Tip #2: Your child’s lenses should follow each eye’s natural curve.

Your child’s frames should extend the width of their face, just beyond the cheekbones. The glasses should conform to your child’s eye shapes, creating better peripheral vision. Abnormal curving of the lenses can lead to some discomfort and uneven UV protection. Also, your child's eyes should be directly behind the lenses.

For lenses, you’ll want to look at polycarbonate, high index, or plastic. That way, if your child accidentally drops their glasses, they’ll be less likely to break. Since these lenses are prone to scratches and scuff marks, opt for a scratch-resistant coating. Anti-glare coating is also an excellent option to safeguard your child’s eyes from UV light.

Tip #3: The temples should not be too long.

You should also be aware of the length of the glasses’ temples. The temples should extend just beyond your child’s ears, and your child should only feel them on the skin just before the curve. 

If the temples curve too soon, they can push the bridge down, which can make your child’s glasses move out of place. If the frames are too tight at the temples, they can also cause pressure, which may lead to mild discomfort and headaches. If the temples are too long, the glasses may fall out of place, which can inhibit your child’s vision and make the lenses more likely to shatter. Fortunately, For Eyes offers free repairs, even if you didn’t get the eyewear from us.

Bonus Tips for Buying and Fitting Children’s Glasses

When buying children’s glasses, remember to pay special attention to the thickness and material of the lenses, in addition to the width of the frames. Children are active and need strong lenses that won’t break when dropped. The frames should also be sturdy and hold up against any damage. Make sure they fit at the ears and nose to keep from falling.

You should also opt for scratch-resistant coating on the lenses to reduce scuffs that make it challenging for your child to see. If your child needs a second pair of glasses, consider sports goggles, which have fantastic durability. You’ll most likely need to get these adjusted. Be sure that the padding inside the glasses is not too tight against your child’s head. Each eye should be behind the middle of each lens for better visibility. 

Summary of How Glasses Should Fit on a Child

Fitting children’s glasses is simple if you know what to look for. Comfort is most important, so if your child looks like they are in pain or has red marks on their face, the eyewear may need to be adjusted. 

Here is how glasses should fit on a child:

• The glasses should be about the size of your child’s eye sockets.
• Your child’s lenses should follow each eye’s natural curve.
• The temples should not be too long.

When your child’s glasses are the right size, you can trust they will be more likely to wear them. Educate your children to help them develop great eye care habits, including wearing their glasses, at a young age.