Eyewear guide

Glasses for Kids: Choosing Frames That Last

Kids are hard on glasses. The right frame bends instead of breaking, stays put during play and looks good enough that your child actually wants to wear it.

Call (805) 439-1010 Request an appointment
Close-up of a blue eye behind a pair of round black eyeglasses

Start with durability

Children's frames take more abuse than adult frames. They get sat on, dropped, stuffed in backpacks and yanked off with one hand. A frame built for that life saves you repair trips and replacements.

  • Flexible materials. Many kids' frames are made from bendable nylon blends or rubberized plastics that flex and spring back instead of snapping.
  • Spring hinges. These let the temples bend outward past their normal stop, so a frame pulled off sideways is less likely to break or stretch out of shape.
  • Fewer small parts. Some kids' frames are molded in one piece, with no hinge screws to work loose.
  • Tough lenses. Ask about impact-resistant lens materials such as polycarbonate, which is lighter and tougher than standard plastic.

Your eye doctor and optician can tell you which lens options suit your child's prescription.

Get the fit right for small faces

A small adult frame is not the same as a kids' frame. Children's faces are proportioned differently, and many kids have a lower, flatter nose bridge, so frames designed for adults tend to slide down.

  • Bridge: look for adjustable nose pads or a bridge shaped for lower noses, so the frame sits at the right height and stays there.
  • Width: the frame front should be about as wide as your child's face. Extra width lets it shift around.
  • Temples: they should reach comfortably over and behind the ears without pressing.
  • Size: a frame that's far too big to allow for growing will slip and get pushed up all day.

Kids grow, so a frame that fits well now may feel snug in a year. Bring your child back in when the glasses start pinching, sliding or sitting crooked.

Options for active kids

If your child runs, climbs or plays sports, a few features and accessories make a big difference.

  • Cable temples wrap around the back of the ear and hold the frame in place. They're a common choice for toddlers and very active kids.
  • Straps and bands attach to the ends of the temples and go around the back of the head. Soft, adjustable straps work well for younger children.
  • Sports goggles are their own product category, made for ball sports and active play, and many can be made with prescription lenses.
  • Kids' sunglasses are worth having for outdoor time. Look for 100% UV protection or UV400 on the label.

Habits that make glasses last

The best frame for your child is the one they'll actually wear. Let them help choose. Kids who pick their own color or style are more likely to feel proud of their glasses than embarrassed by them.

  • Let them choose the color. Bright colors, patterns and two-tone frames are all fair game.
  • Keep a backup pair. A spare at home means a lost or broken frame doesn't leave your child without glasses for days.
  • Build a case habit. Glasses go on your face or in the case, never in a pocket, on a car seat or face down on a table.
  • Teach two-hand removal. Taking glasses off with both hands keeps the frame from stretching.
  • Label the case with your name and phone number, so a lost pair has a way home.

Let your child try them on with our team

At Aesthetic Eye Care in San Luis Obispo, our children's eyewear includes fun, colorful designs with the durability needed for everyday wear. Our opticians can help your child find frames that fit the size and shape of their face, and we also carry children's sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Call (805) 439-1010 or request an appointment online, and bring your child along so they can pick a favorite.

FAQ

Common questions

Questions about frames or lenses? Call us at (805) 439-1010.

What's the most durable frame material for kids?

Flexible nylon blends and rubberized plastics are popular because they bend and spring back. Pair a flexible frame with spring hinges for the best chance of surviving rough handling.

Should my child have a backup pair of glasses?

It's a good idea for most families. A spare pair means a lost or broken frame doesn't leave your child without glasses while the first pair is repaired or replaced.

How do I keep glasses on a toddler?

Cable temples that hook around the ears or a soft, adjustable strap help keep glasses in place. A frame with a well-fitted bridge also slides down less.

Can my child pick any frame they like?

Let them choose from frames that fit well. Our opticians can narrow the options to good fits first, then your child picks the color and style.

Keep reading

The whole guide

How Glasses Should Fit: A Simple Checklist

A fit checklist for frame width, bridge, temples, cheeks and brows, plus signs your glasses need an adjustment.

Read about how glasses should fit

Eyeglass Frame Materials Compared

Acetate, plastics, metals, titanium, aluminum and natural materials compared on weight, flex and durability.

Read about frame materials

How to Choose Eyeglass Frame Colors

Match frame colors to your undertone, hair, eyes and wardrobe, with tips on tortoiseshell, clear and bold frames.

Read about choosing frame colors

Accepting new patients

Make an appointment with our team

Reach out to Aesthetic Eye Care for your initial appointment and experience quality eye care in San Luis Obispo.

Call (805) 439-1010 Request an appointment