Finding the right glasses for your child can feel overwhelming. Between ensuring proper vision correction and selecting frames that will survive playground adventures, parents face numerous considerations when shopping for kids’ eyewear.
The right pair of glasses does more than improve your child’s sight—it boosts their confidence, supports their learning, and helps them participate fully in daily activities. That’s why it’s important to consider frames, lenses, and coatings when choosing glasses for your kid.
Whether your child needs their first pair of glasses or it’s time for an upgrade, understanding the factors involved will help you make an informed decision that serves both their vision needs and active lifestyle.
Understanding Your Child’s Vision Needs
Before diving into frame styles and colours, you should start with your child’s vision requirements. A comprehensive eye exam will reveal whether your child needs correction for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or a combination of these refractive errors.
Children’s prescriptions can change rapidly as their eyes develop, so don’t be surprised if the eye doctor recommends annual checkups. Some children need glasses only for specific activities, such as reading or computer work, while others require them for full-time wear to maintain clear vision throughout the day.
Frame Material & Durability
Kids put their glasses through serious testing. From playground tumbles to bedroom tosses, children’s frames need to withstand daily adventures while maintaining their shape and comfort.
At Trinity Hills Eyecare, we carry kid-friendly frame lines like Nano, Tomato Glasses, and DB4K React—all known for their lightweight yet durable designs tailored to active children. Many of these frames feature flexible hinges, bendable temples, and customizable bridges to ensure a secure and comfortable fit as your child grows.
Plastic Frames
These frames offer excellent durability and come in vibrant colours that appeal to younger children. Modern plastic materials are lightweight yet flexible, bouncing back from minor impacts without cracking. Plastic frames work particularly well for active kids who participate in sports or outdoor activities.
Metal Frames
Metal frames provide a more mature look for older children and teens. Look for titanium or memory metal options that bend without breaking. Stainless steel frames offer good durability at a more budget-friendly price point, although they may be slightly heavier than those made from other materials.
Hybrid Options
Hybrid frames combine metal and plastic elements, offering the best of both worlds. Many feature plastic front frames with metal temples, providing durability where it’s needed most while maintaining a comfortable fit.
Pro tip: Consider spring hinges regardless of frame material. Flexible hinges and bendable temples allow the frames to withstand rough handling and adapt to active lifestyles. Customizable bridges are also a great option to help ensure glasses sit comfortably and securely as your child grows.
Style & Comfort
Getting your child excited about wearing glasses starts with finding frames they genuinely like. We recommend involving them in the selection process. When kids feel ownership over their choice, they’re more likely to wear their glasses consistently.
Size matters for children’s frames. Glasses that are too large will slide down, while frames that are too small can cause discomfort and headaches. The frames should sit properly on the bridge of the nose without pinching, and the temples should rest comfortably behind the ears without creating pressure points.
Look for adjustable nose pieces that can be customized for your child’s face. This feature becomes especially important as your child grows, allowing for minor adjustments without replacing the entire frame.
Colour and pattern choices should reflect your child’s personality. Bright colours and fun patterns can make glasses feel like a fashion accessory rather than a medical necessity.
For older children and teens, consider more sophisticated options that align with current fashion trends. Classic shapes in updated colours or subtle patterns can help them feel confident and stylish.
Lens Options & Coatings
The right lenses and coatings can enhance your child’s experience wearing glasses. While basic lenses correct vision, these extras provide benefits that can be valuable for many different lifestyles.
Anti-Reflective (AR) Coating
AR coatings reduce glare from screens, overhead lighting, and bright outdoor conditions. This treatment is beneficial for children who spend time on computers or tablets for schoolwork and entertainment.
Scratch-Resistant Coating
A scratch-resistant coating helps lenses maintain clarity despite the inevitable bumps and cleaning attempts that come with being worn by children. While no coating makes lenses completely scratch-proof, this treatment extends their usable life.
Blue Light Filters
With the rise of screen time, blue light-filtering lenses have gained popularity. While research on the effects of blue light continues, a blue light filter can prevent screen time from disrupting your child’s sleep-wake cycle.
Photochromic Lenses
A photochromic lens automatically adjusts to changing light conditions, darkening in bright sunlight and clearing up indoors. These lenses eliminate the need for separate prescription sunglasses, making them convenient for children who transition frequently between indoor and outdoor activities.
Polycarbonate Material
Polycarbonate lenses offer superior impact resistance compared to standard plastic lenses. This material is often recommended for active children or those who play contact sports.
Trivlex Lenses
Trivex lenses are another excellent choice for kids—they’re lightweight, highly impact-resistant, and provide excellent optical clarity, making them a strong alternative to polycarbonate lenses.
Specialty Prescription Eyewear: Sports (for Kids) & Safety
In addition to everyday glasses, our clinic offers specialty prescription eyewear designed for specific needs—especially sport eyewear for kids.
Why sport eyewear matters for children
Regular glasses aren’t designed to protect against fast-moving balls, elbows, or sticks. Sport-specific eyewear helps reduce the risk of eye injuries while keeping vision crisp during play.
What to look for in kids’ sport eyewear
- Impact-resistant lenses: Polycarbonate or Trivex lenses for superior protection.
- Protective frames: Wraparound or goggle-style frames that shield from multiple angles and stay secure during movement.
- Secure fit: Adjustable straps or non-slip temple tips to keep eyewear in place while running and jumping.
- Sport-specific designs: Options tailored for hockey, basketball, soccer, racquet sports, and cycling, with ventilation to prevent fogging.
Comfort & performance
Properly fitted sport eyewear can improve visual tracking, depth perception, and contrast on the field or court—helping kids perform their best while staying safe.
Safety glasses
For school shop classes, science labs, or certain hobbies, prescription safety glasses are also available. These are built to withstand impact and protect against debris while maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
If your child plays sports regularly—or even just at recess—ask us about sport eyewear during their exam or fitting.
Where to Buy Your Child’s Glasses
When purchasing glasses for your child, you should visit their eye doctor. Your child’s eye doctor understands their unique vision needs and can provide personalized recommendations for frames and lenses to suit their lifestyle and activities.
By purchasing glasses through your child’s eye doctor, you can also ensure that their prescription is up to date, providing optimal vision and comfort. This tailored approach helps ensure that your child gets the right fit and durability.
Protect Your Child’s Vision Health with the Right Choice
Choosing glasses for your child involves balancing vision correction, durability, comfort, and style preferences. The perfect pair supports your child’s visual development while reflecting their personality and withstanding their active lifestyle.
Remember that children’s vision needs often change as they grow, so regular eye exams remain important even after finding great glasses. Stay flexible with frame choices as your child’s preferences evolve, and don’t hesitate to invest in quality lenses and coatings that enhance their daily experience.
Start by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam, then involve your child in selecting frames they’re excited to wear. Contact our team at Trinity Hills Eyecare in Calgary today to book an appointment.
