When looking for new glasses for Penny, I came across many websites, like Zenni Optical and the like, which carry many, many frames. The problem I found was having to go through each child’s frame to see if they were available in her size. I know some of you are having the same problem, because your searches bring you to this blog.
A couple of weeks ago, I came across a great site that remedies this problem. I can’t vouch for purchasing from them, as I haven’t done it. But you can definitely research your frames by size there. It is SimplyEyesglasses.com.
Eye Size – Orange (First number on frames)
Obviously, the smaller the number, the smaller the glasses. Penny’s first glasses, at 11 weeks, were a size 36, but we ordered a size too big so she could grow into them. Now 5.5 months, her new pair are a size 39, and the 40′s were too big.
Bridge Size – Blue (Second number on frames)
Keep in mind that the bridge size is important if you get plastic frames, as these are not adjustable and do need to fit your child as is. But if you are getting frames with plastic nosepads, the bridge size isn’t as important.
Temple Size – Green (Third number on frames)
Also, the arm length isn’t as important (depending on the frames). In most cases, it can be cut shorter. If you are getting cable temples, I’d definitely recommend trying the frames on in person to make sure you have the right arm length. Sometimes cable temples are only a little bit adjustable.
Vertical Size – Red (not usually noted on the frames)
The vertical height of the frames is important in a couple of ways: if they are too small your child can look over the frames, and if they are too big the glasses will not look natural on your child. Miss Danielle at A Child’s Eyes says: “A child’s frame should fit right into the eye socket from top to bottom and not expand down the child’s cheek. If a child is allowed to wear a frame like this it will cause unnecessary weight on the nose. Not only will this be uncomfortable, but it will cause the frame to slip down the nose and result in poor vision for the child.”
If you know the Eye Size you need, click on the following sizes to see what SimplyEyeglasses.com has available in that size:
Size 32
Size 33
Size 34
Size 35
Size 36
Size 37
Size 38
Size 39
Size 40
Size 41
Size 42
Size 43
Size 44
Size 45
Size 46
Size 47
If you feel comfortable ordering online, feel free to order from SimplyEyeglasses.com. Otherwise, note down the frame name and model and go to your local optician to try them on. Not all opticians will carry all of these. But sometimes they’ll be able to order them in for you.
Hopefully this helps you choose glasses for your child. If you do have any questions, please email me at nicolemarr at shaw dot ca, or visit the Resources page at LittleFourEyes.com for more help.
