Children's glasses versus adult glasses, what about that?

We've come a long way since the health insurance goggles with thick jam jar glasses, which were made of mediocre quality and sometimes fit, sometimes not. There is much more on offer, for both adults and children. Yet you have probably noticed that there is still quite a difference between children's glasses and glasses for adults. In addition to looking different, the material and shape are often also different. Where does that come from and what is behind it? We explain in this article all the differences and similarities, as well as the reasons behind them. We also discuss the best way to maintain children's glasses.

Why are children's glasses different from adult glasses?

Children's glasses come in many shapes and sizes. Each stage of life requires a different type of glasses with different characteristics. For example, glasses for a baby look very different from glasses for a teenager. Glasses for adults are the same for all ages. It doesn't matter if you're 18 or 99, there's no difference. Glasses for children are different from glasses for adults because there are quite a few differences in the way they are worn, used and physical characteristics.

Glasses up to 3 years

Glasses for babies and toddlers are quite different. These glasses are made in such a way that they cannot be easily removed from the head by the wearer. At this age, children often do not yet understand why wearing glasses is necessary and necessary. What they notice is that there is something on their head that they are not used to at first. At such a young age, it is quite normal to want to remove the cause of the discomfort. That is why glasses for children up to the age of 3 are specially adapted to this. A soft nasal pad is needed because of the sensitive skin and because the nasal bone in young children is not yet fully grown. These glasses have a headband that goes around the head so that they fit securely and do not slip or be easily pulled off.

Glasses for school-age children

Different requirements are set for glasses for toddlers and school-age children.

School-age children go through life differently than adults. Where adults generally do not play wild tricks and do not trip or fall as often, this is the case with children. Children play, run, jump, climb, fall and get up again. The children's glasses are regularly hit, fall to the ground, someone sits on them or otherwise the glasses have a hard time. This is taken into account when designing glasses for children in this age group. Spring-loaded hinges and flexible arms ensure that the glasses can take a beating. The above is also taken into account in the choice of material. Plastic frames made of Acetate, a sturdy and light plastic, are very suitable for children's glasses. They can take a beating and are very comfortable at the same time. The same applies to the choice of spectacle lenses, which can be made of either glass or plastic. For children, plastic is often chosen because it does not break so easily.

Glasses for Teens

Glasses for teenagers and glasses for adults are very similar. Teens aren't as wild and playful as school-aged kids, so generally that shouldn't be taken into account. The differences are, in this case, mainly in appearance and design. Teens often look for glasses that are a bit more creative, more fashionable and have unique designs or markings. At that age, they often find it very important to be hip and to radiate this. The choice of glasses plays an important role in this.

 Facial proportions in children

Besides the differences in lifestyle and movement style, the proportions of children's faces are different from those of adults. The fit and sizing are therefore different. There is nothing more annoying than glasses that are too tight or too loose or hurt behind the ears. Frames where you can choose from different sizes, makes it a lot easier to choose the right fit.

How can you best maintain your children's glasses?

The maintenance of children's glasses is in many ways the same as the maintenance of glasses for adults. However, there are also some differences. Because children are often much more mobile, the glasses often have to endure more than the glasses that adults wear. The legs are bent outwards more quickly, especially when putting on and taking off. As a result, it is necessary to visit the optician more often to adjust the legs. Nothing is more annoying than glasses that have become too wide. The glasses then slide off the nose all the time and cause discomfort. Flexible legs that bend with them can largely overcome this problem. If the temples are bent up or down, the glasses can become crooked on the face. This affects vision. It is then necessary to have the legs adjusted. If it is glasses with silicone nose pads, which are mounted on a small hinge to ideally fit every nose type, these also sometimes break or break. This happens more often in children than in adults. Occasionally a new silicone nose pad will attach, part of the maintenance of children's glasses. In addition, children's glasses wear out faster due to intensive use. Children grow, which means that new glasses are regularly needed. In addition to the above-mentioned, common maintenance for children's glasses, the general maintenance rules for glasses also apply. This means that the glasses should be cleaned regularly. It is best to clean the glasses under lukewarm, running water and then wipe dry with a dust-free, soft cloth.

Growing children

Children grow, that's for sure. From the moment we are born until the end of the teens, we grow rapidly. The younger the child, the faster the growth rate. Just as children grow out of pants, jackets, shoes and sweaters very quickly, they also grow out of their glasses quite quickly. Glasses for a baby, for example, have a very small size and will no longer fit on the head of an 8-year-old. It will be regularly checked whether the current children's glasses still fit the child or whether they have grown out of them and it is time for a new pair. If a child wears glasses that are too small for too long, this can obstruct the field of view. Glasses, and especially glasses, must have a certain width and height to ensure that the wearer's complete field of view fits in them. If the glasses and the frame are too small, you can look past your glasses and the glasses no longer do what they are intended for. In addition, glasses that are too small can hurt behind the ears and on the side of the head. Often this causes headaches and other discomfort when wearing.

Eyes in growth

Besides the fact that the size and shape of children's heads change a lot as they grow, the eyes themselves also change enormously. Children cannot see clearly when they are born. This is because babies are born with a plus strength. As they grow, their eyes also grow and the eyes should reach a 0 strength. If children are born with an abnormal eye strength or develop it in childhood, glasses are needed. Because children grow a lot and quickly, the eyeballs also grow with them. This results in an ever-changing eye strength. The eye often deteriorates as the child gets older. This usually stops around the age of 25. This means that there have been many changes in eye strength over the years and with it the need to regularly purchase new children's glasses.