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Spectacle Fitting for Children

Choosing the right spectacles for your child goes beyond just the prescription. Comfort, fit, durability, and wearability all play an important role in helping children see well and wear their glasses confidently every day.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Spectacle Frame for Your Child

If your child has been prescribed glasses, he or she will spend most of their waking hours wearing them. A well-fitted, good-quality pair of spectacles will be more comfortable, last longer, and improve compliance. As your child’s face grows, regular frame adjustment is important to maintain proper alignment and comfort.

Every child has a unique face, and frames should be chosen to fit properly. Children should not be given adult frames to “grow into.”

  • Frames that are too small may cause discomfort and restrict the field of view
  • Frames that are too large may slide down easily
  • The child’s eyes should sit centrally within each lens, or slightly inwards towards the nose

Well-adjusted nose pads help keep spectacles in the correct position.

  • Glasses should not rest on the cheeks or touch the eyelashes
  • Frames with fixed, non-adjustable nose pads may not fit certain Asian facial profiles well
  • Poorly fitting nose pads can cause slipping, eyelash contact, and fogging, especially in hot, humid weather

The temple length plays an important role in stability and comfort.

  • Temples that are too long may cause the spectacles to slide down
  • Temples that are too short may not hook securely behind the ears
  • Some children’s frames come with cable temples, which wrap gently around the ears to prevent slipping
  • Cable temples should not be too tight or uncomfortable

Spectacle frames are commonly made of metal, plastic, or flexible synthetic materials.

  • Children with sensitive skin may develop allergies to certain materials
  • Plastic frames are generally more durable, lighter in weight, and less likely to cause skin reactions
  • For babies and toddlers, softer frame materials with straps are recommended, especially as they often lie down

Choosing a frame your child likes can greatly improve compliance.

  • Favourite colours or cartoon-themed frames can encourage regular wear
  • Full frames are recommended over rimless or half-rim frames as they are sturdier and safer for children

Some children, especially active ones, may benefit from:

  • Elastic headbands or straps
  • Ear hooks for additional support

These help keep spectacles securely in place during play and sports.

Frame choice should also consider the prescription.

  • Large frames should be avoided for children with high degrees of short- or long-sightedness
  • Larger lenses may become very thick and cause peripheral visual distortion
  • Myopia control lenses also require good centration and appropriately sized frames

What Type of Lenses Should Children Use?

When choosing lenses for children, it’s important to select options that are safe, durable, and protective for growing eyes.

  • Plastic lenses are recommended for all children
  • Impact-resistant lenses (e.g. polycarbonate) are suitable for active children
  • Lenses should have built-in UV protection to protect young eyes from harmful sun exposure
  • For those looking for myopia control, myopia management lenses may be appropriate
  • Lenses with photochromatic function can be also used for children who have sensitivity to lights

Does My Child Need to Wear Glasses All the Time?

This depends on the reason glasses were prescribed and the degree of refractive error.

Distance vision is minimally affected; full-time wear may not be required

Blurred distance vision may affect school and daily activities; full-time wear is usually recommended

Full-time wear is essential, especially if glasses are part of amblyopia treatment

Always follow the ophthalmologist’s advice regarding wearing duration. Myopia control glasses should be worn full time for best effect.

What Can I Do to Encourage My Child to Wear Glasses?

Most children who truly need spectacles will adapt well because the glasses improve their vision.

  • Myopic children often enjoy wearing spectacles immediately
  • Hyperopic or astigmatic children may take a few weeks to adjust
  • Parents should:
    • Maintain a positive attitude
    • Encourage wear during favourite activities
    • Ensure the frame fits well and the prescription is accurate

If glasses are uncomfortable or incorrectly prescribed, children may resist wearing them.

Does My Child Need Bifocals?

Children usually do not need bifocals as they naturally have good near focusing ability.

Bifocals or progressive lenses may be required if:

  • The child has certain types of crossed eyes
  • The child is on atropine 1% eye drops for myopia control
  • The child has undergone cataract surgery with artificial lens implantation

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Will Wearing Glasses Make My Child’s Eyes Worse?

No. Wearing glasses does not make the eyes weaker or more dependent. It does not increase rate of myopic progression.

However, not wearing prescribed glasses may interfere with normal visual development and can lead to long-term vision problems.

Our Paediatric Eye Specialists Singapore

Dr Zena Lim

Medical Director, Consultant Ophthalmologist

Dr Kelvin Teo

Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist

Dr Loh Kai-Lyn

Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist

Disclaimer:

The information on the The Children’s Eye & ENT Centre website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.