Bifocal Glasses for Kids and Teens: A Parent's Guide

 

Bifocal Glasses for Kids and Teens: A Parent's Guide

Bifocal glasses are often associated with older adults, but with time and the changing needs of the younger generation, they are also becoming more relevant to them. These specialized glasses cater to both distance and near vision needs. This is possible as two distinct optical powers are incorporated within a single lens. 

For kids and teens grappling with vision issues, it is crucial to correct the problem internally from their biological lenses. Any slight difficulty with vision can reduce the youngster’s productivity, be it in the classroom or anywhere else. This is where bifocals come into the picture. They offer a seamless solution by allowing clear vision for activities like reading or using digital devices while ensuring proper distance vision.

Understand Vision Difficulty in Kids and Teens

Traditionally, vision problems used to affect individuals with aging. However, in present times, one can even encounter small kids wearing glasses. This leaves parents concerned about the future of their growing children. But to find a solution for their kids, it is essential for them to first understand the vision issues in children and teens. 

For instance, conditions like myopia and hyperopia affect the clarity of vision for near or far objects, respectively, while presbyopia, usually seen in older individuals, might also manifest in teens, resulting in difficulty focusing on close objects. Further, astigmatism causes blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea. 

Therefore, regular eye examinations are pivotal to understanding the vision condition of children or teenagers. It helps in the early detection of any vision difficulty that might affect the child’s future. Early detection also ensures that the youngster can get the necessary eyewear, like bifocal glasses, to facilitate optical visual development. 

Identifying the Need for Bifocal Glasses in Children

To recognize if children need bifocals, parents must observe certain key indicators in their behavior and activities. Some common signs include frequent headaches, eyestrain, squinting, or rubbing their eyes. Apart from these, there are small changes in the behaviors of the youngsters while doing the daily task, so keeping a close watch is essential. For example, difficulty focusing on close-up tasks, complaints about blurred vision, or tilting the head to see better. A few other red flags are sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close while reading. 

Additionally, how your child interacts in sports or group activities can also signal you about their vision problems. If they frequently miss catches or have trouble seeing things at a distance, it might suggest a need for bifocals. However, before getting any glasses for your children, it is important to get an eye check-up done by an optometrist or eye care professional. For affordable eyeglasses and complete eye health checkups, you can always connect with Salisbury Optometrist in Australia.

Choosing the Right Bifocal Glasses for Youngsters

After the doctor has prescribed bifocals, the next step is to choose suitable bifocal lenses that are tailored to their needs and lifestyle. Factors that one must consider before buying bifocal glasses include lens material and coating. 

Lens Materials

There are four types of lens materials one can go for. One standard choice among them is the plastic lens, which is good for low prescriptions. However, we will discuss the other three that can benefit one more. 

• Polycarbonate lenses: These are highly impact-resistant and lightweight, making them ideal for children involved in sports or outdoor activities. They offer excellent UV protection and reduce the risk of breakage.

• Trivex lenses: These lenses are similar to polycarbonate, providing impact resistance, comfort, and excellent optical clarity. It also offers sharp optics and durability and is recommended for rimless-style frames.

• High-index plastic lenses: These are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses, suitable for higher prescriptions. However, they might not be as impact-resistant as polycarbonate or Trivex lenses. But similar to those, it also has full UV protection. 

Lens Coatings

It is always beneficial to include some additional considerations, such as lens coatings in a child’s bifocal glasses. This might increase the cost, but health fund glasses are always there to help you out. Below are some common recommendations for the same. 

• Scratch-resistant: It is essential for maintaining lens durability, especially for kids engaged in rough activities, reducing the risk of scratches that can impair vision.

• Anti-reflective: This minimizes glare from screens and artificial lighting, enhancing visual clarity and reducing eye strain. It particularly benefits teenagers who spend more time on digital devices or under various lighting conditions.

• UV protection: Keeping the present climatic conditions in mind, UV protection is quite important for one's glasses. It ensures protection against harmful UV rays, safeguarding the eyes from potential damage caused by exposure to the sun.

 Conclusion

There are various aspects to take care of when parents go about their children's vision difficulties. We have covered most of these crucial elements in this blog. However, ensure that your child wears the bifocal glasses all day while doing the daily activities until their vision is correct. So, make sure to provide your child with the best bifocal glasses that can brighten their future.