Get Your Child the Perfect Fit: 5 Best Glasses for Kids

If your kids need glasses, you’ve come to the right place. We’re here to help you get your child the perfect fit with a fun, stylish, and durable pair of glasses that they’ll love wearing.

Below, we’ll go over our five favorite styles for kids and give you everything you need to know about choosing the right glasses for your child.

Why Might My Child Need Glasses?

There are quite a few reasons why your kids might need glasses as they get older, including:

• Nearsightedness: Many kids struggle to see objects that are far away clearly. Glasses can help your child have more balanced vision by improving their ability to see for longer distances. Lenses designed to deal with nearsightedness are usually either single-vision or progressive.

• Farsightedness: Some kids also have trouble seeing close up, which calls for lenses that help with nearsightedness. As is the case with lenses for nearsightedness, your child may need either a set of single-vision lenses or progressives.

• Lazy Eye: A weak or “lazy” eye is a common problem for kids, and it’s possible to strengthen the vision of that eye with the right glasses. If your child needs help equalizing the strength of their eyes, they might end up with specialized lenses that are made to support what’s sometimes called a lazy eye.

• Misaligned Eyes: If your child has crossed or misaligned eyes, the right lenses can help. Your child’s optometrist will most likely spot this problem right away and can help you understand the right corrective lenses to get for your child.

In addition, some kids need glasses to help with reading. If one of your kids struggles to track words or identify letters on a page or screen, reading lenses could help. These lenses offer one level of magnification, so they’re best to only be worn while reading.

How Can I Tell If My Kids Need Glasses?

Kids often don’t know that their vision isn’t perfect —you might have to help them get the glasses they need by watching how they interact with the world around them. For example, if you notice that your child is holding a book, phone, or tablet as close up to their face as possible, it’s a clear sign that they need help seeing well.

In addition, looking at a screen for too long can seriously affect kids’ eye development and lead to nearsightedness. That’s why we recommend monitoring young kids’ screen use if you can, especially when it comes to handheld screens like phones and tablets.

How To Choose Lenses for Kids

There’s more than one type of lens for a pair of glasses. From single-vision to progressive to light-responsive lenses, there are plenty of options —and it’s easy to feel confused and not know where to start.

We’re here to help with a quick and simple description of each of the most popular types of lenses that your kids might have in a pair of glasses.

Single-Vision

Single-vision lenses are for people of all ages who are nearsighted or farsighted, or have astigmatism. They’re called single-vision lenses because they correct vision for one distance. At Pair, our lenses range from -14.5D to +5.00D, with customizable options for prism, sphere, axis, and cylinder.

If your child needs single-vision lenses, look no further than Pair. Our lenses are treated with anti-reflective, anti-scratch coatings, so you can count on them to withstand the wear and tear of a high-energy kid's exciting life.

Not sure whether single-vision lenses are right for your child? The best way to find out is by visiting an eye doctor to get expert advice about the right lenses. Then, save time and money by checking out Pair for your child’s frames.

Progressive

Progressive lenses, sometimes called multifocal lenses, can correct your vision at more than one distance. These lenses have multiple zones of magnification, gradually increasing the level of magnification from the top of the lens to the bottom. With lenses like these, you can see clearly from close-up, mid-range, or far away.

The top layer of a set of progressive lenses corrects distance vision, which is more relevant in the life of an adult (who drives a car) than a child. However, kids can still benefit from being able to see clearly at long distances. The middle of the lens corrects intermediate vision, which can be helpful when your kids are using computers or tablets at school.

The bottom zone of the lenses corrects close-up vision, which can help your kids read, use smaller screens, and more.

Readers

Kids don’t typically wear reading glasses, but it’s worth knowing what reader lenses are nonetheless. These lenses aren’t meant to be worn full-time. Instead, you wear your readers while — you guessed it — reading. They won’t help you see objects that are far away, but they provide close-up magnification to make it easier to see small print up close.

Premium Plus

Our specialized Premium Plus lenses are ideal for kids with very strong prescriptions (below -6.00 or above +3.00). These lenses are ultra-thin, anti-reflective, and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for kids who need major vision correction from their glasses.

Blue Light-Filtering

Blue light-filtering glasses can be helpful for older kids who need to spend several hours a day on screens for school.

As laptops and tablets continue to be a big part of the classroom environment, equipping your kids with blue light-filtering glasses can be a helpful line of defense against issues like eye strain.

Light Responsive

Light-responsive lenses can be comfortable and convenient for kids who spend lots of time outdoors. These lenses are sometimes called transitional because they turn from standard eyeglasses into sunglasses based on light exposure.

Lenses like these are especially helpful for kids who are sensitive to sunlight and spend several hours per day outside.

Which Lenses Are Right for My Child?

If you’re not sure where to start with lenses for your child’s glasses, a visit to the eye doctor can help. Each type of lens serves a unique set of purposes, and an optometrist can help you and your child understand all of the special features a lens offers.

Plus, your kids can always benefit from a routine eye exam, especially before upgrading to a new pair of glasses.

In addition, choosing some lenses, like blue light-filtering and light-responsive lenses, is really a matter of your child’s personal preference and what makes them feel the best.

The best way to pick the right lenses for your kids’ glasses is to know the facts about each type and play an active role in the decision-making process. That way, your kids will have you as a guide to help them confidently pick glasses that are perfect for them.

How To Choose Frames for Your Kids

Eyeglass frames are as big of a deal as the lenses. The right frames can help your kids feel confident and will hold up against all of the hustle and bustle of growing up. Here’s some helpful info about different types of frames and how to choose the right pair for your kids.

Sports Glasses for Kids

Sports glasses are made of durable materials that can stay strong on the field or court. The lenses that pair with these frames are also extra strong, helping your child stay safe and freeing them up to focus on the game.

A pair of sports glasses isn’t ideal for all-day, everyday wear, but it can certainly come in handy if you have a young athlete in your house. Your child can swap these glasses out for an everyday pair when the game ends to look their best anytime.

Sports glasses are usually made from either plastic or polycarbonate, durable materials that can withstand a big impact during a game. The frames sometimes also have rubber padding at crucial points for extra protection. Some even have straps or a wraparound design to make them easier to keep on during fast-paced sports.

When shopping for a pair of sports glasses, make sure you look for the right impact rating. ASTM F803 is the standard impact rating for any form of protective eyewear, including kids’ sports glasses.

Everyday Glasses for Kids

An everyday pair of glasses should be comfortable, stylish, and fun to wear. We have you covered in all of those departments with our customizable kids’ glasses.

Your kid has a unique personality, and their glasses can help them express it through an eye-catching combination of shape, color, and pattern. Transitioning into wearing glasses can sometimes be tough for kids, but we aim to make it a blast with plenty of different styles and colors to choose from.

Glasses for Kids With Sensitive Skin

If previous pairs of glasses left your child’s skin irritated and inflamed, have no fear —there’s a better Pair out there for them.

Our frames are made from acetate, which is gentle enough on sensitive skin but sturdy enough for the fast-paced life of a kid. No matter what the day has in store, these glasses will keep your kids feeling comfortable and won’t cause any skin irritation.

Sunglasses for Kids

Sunglasses can be a stylish addition to your child’s wardrobe, helping them express themselves in a brand-new way. Our kids’ sunglasses offer UV protection in styles that are curated to fit your child’s one-of-a-kind personality. With cool and trendy shapes for everyone to love, your kids will feel more confident than ever in a pair.

What Are the Best Glasses for Kids?

Below are five fantastic frames for your kids to try as everyday glasses, all available in a wide range of colors and styles.

1. The Otero

These extra-narrow rectangular frames look fantastic on any face. They’re a perfect option for older kids, especially those with an oval or round face shape. Made from hand-polished, flexible acetate, the Otero frame can take a beating without breaking.

• Frame Width: 130 mm
• Lens Height: 33.5 mm
• Bridge Width: 17 mm
• Lens Width: 49 mm
• Temple Length: 140 mm

The Otero is available in multiple colors, including crystal clear, pink, blue, and more, so there’s something to fit every kid’s personal style. We recommend a virtual try-on to help your child get a feel for what their glasses will look like based on a photo. It’s a fun activity that you can enjoy with your kid —no trips to a brick-and-mortar store required.

The Otero rectangular frame starts at $60.

2. The Larkin

Available in colors like tortoise, clear, blue, blue tortoise, and more, the Larkin is a fan-favorite in the Pair Eyewear lineup. It’s a stylish modified rectangle frame made from hand-polished acetate. While we often recommend these frames for adults, they’re great for older kids as well, especially those with an oval or round face shape.

• Frame Width: 133 mm
• Lens Height: 35.2 mm
• Bridge Width: 17 mm
• Lens Width: 51 mm
• Temple Length: 140 mm

We think the Larkin looks best when customized. You can get your kids a vibrant base frame in blue clear or pink clear, but then they still have the freedom to personalize their glasses even more with our creative and colorful top frames.

The Larkin rectangular frame starts at $60.

3. The Serra

The Serra is an extra-narrow, modified round frame that looks modern and vintage at the same time. Perfect for kids of all ages but fantastic for younger children, these frames are best for an oval, square, or oblong face shape.

The base frame is available in colors like pink clear, blue clear, tortoise, and more, and your kids can customize and personalize with our unique Top Frames.

• Frame Width: 125 mm
• Lens Height: 36.5 mm
• Bridge Width: 18 mm
• Lens Width: 45 mm
• Temple Width: 135 mm

The Serra modified round frame starts at $60.

4. The Cedro

Designed for oval and round face shapes, these extra narrow rectangle frames are perfect for elevating any little one’s style while helping them see. Made from durable acetate, these base frames look awesome in black, tortoise, and clear. They’re designed for younger kids and fit a head width of about 125 mm.

• Frame Width: 124.5 mm
• Lens Height: 27.4 mm
• Bridge Width: 17 mm
• Lens Width: 46 mm
• Temple Length: 135 mm

The Cedro extra narrow rectangle frames start at $60.

5. The Twain

Last but not least, our Twain frames are fantastic for kids and adults alike, especially those with oval or round aces. These extra narrow modified square glasses have tons of personality and come in tortoise, colored clear, and black. You can spice them up with some of our cool and creative top frames, which are easy and fun for your kids to add to their own glasses.

• Frame Width: 128 mm
• Lens Height: 37.5 mm
• Bridge Width: 18 mm
• Lens Width: 47 mm
• Temple Length: 135 mm

The Twain extra narrow modified square frame starts at $60.

How Do I Customize Kids’ Glasses?

The best way to give your kids a more fun glasses-wearing experience is with Pair’s stylish Top Frames. With tons of options to choose from, we make it easier than ever for your kids to feel comfortable and confident in their glasses. Top Frames can feature stylish colors, patterns, and gradients, as well as signature motifs from your kids’ favorite franchises. There are Top Frames for Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sesame Street, and more, so there’s something for every little one in your life.

Our Top Frames pair seamlessly with your child’s base frames, and they can easily be swapped out for a different style whenever your kid is in the mood for a change. We’re big fans of Topper Sets, which give your child three different styles to rotate, turning one pair of glasses into a stylish trio.

Wrapping Up

Stylish glasses can help your kids feel confident, but there’s nothing better than a pair of glasses that are stylish and durable. That’s where Pair comes in.

With customizable glasses made from long-lasting materials, we make it easier than ever for your kids to love wearing their favorite frames. Start off with a virtual try-on to help your child discover the perfect Pair for them.

Sources:

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) | NEI

Eye Strain: How to Prevent Tired Eyes | American Academy of Ophthalmology

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Causes, Symptoms &Treatment | Cleveland Clinic