If your child has frequent headaches or if they complain about blurry vision or painful eyes, then it is best to have your son or daughter's eyes checked by an optometrist. An eye exam will be completed and the professional may suggest glasses if your child is nearsighted or farsighted. Some children do not like to wear glasses though, and this may be due to comfort issues. This means you need to make sure to help your child choose the most comfortable and aesthetically pleasing frames possible.

Choose Materials Wisely

Most children's eyeglass frames used to be made out of plastic, and often times they still are. Plastic can be formed thickly to create glasses that are durable. Cellulose acetate and polycarbonate are two of the most common types of plastics used to create eyeglasses. Cellulose materials are considered quite inexpensive and polycarbonate is extremely strong. If your child finds a pair of plastic frames that he or she likes, then plastic may be a good choice.

Consider Metal Frames

Some kids do not like the bulky appearance of plastic though, and metal frames are a good option now for children. Metal frames used to be made out of steel or aluminum materials that bent easily. Titanium alloys, cobalt, and trilam are commonly used now to create both adult and child eyeglass frames, and these metals are durable and flexible. Titanium and trilam also snap back to their original form if they are bent.

If you do decide to pick out metal frames with your child, just make sure the frames contain little or no nickel. Nickel is a common metal that is mixed with other materials to reduce costs. Many people are allergic to the metal though, and eyeglass frames that contain nickel may cause your son or daughter to break out into a rash. Ask your optometrist about hypoallergenic metal frames if you think this may be a concern.

Think About the Lenses

If your child needs a strong prescription to restore his or her vision to normal, then the lenses within the frames will likely need to be created so they are thick. Lenses are concave constructions that help to refract light through the eye at a proper angle. Lenses are considered thin in the middle and thicker on the outside. This helps to retain a consistent angle of refraction across the concave lens. If your child chooses frames that sit wide across the face, then the lenses will be thicker. Your child may then feel uncomfortable about the appearance of the thick lenses. Also, when your child wears the glasses, the lenses will obstruct his or her peripheral vision.

When you and your child pick out frames, make sure the lens area is relatively short and narrow.

Find an Appropriate Bridge

Children do not have noses that are fully developed, and this can cause your child's glasses to fall off his or her nose throughout the day. This can be uncomfortable and your child may choose not to wear the frames. You can prevent this from happening by making sure to choose glasses with a form fitting bridge. If you pick out metal frames, then make sure the glasses feature nose pads that keep the glasses in place. Pads that are oval or teardrop shaped are larger and more secure. The pads should be made of silicone materials, because silicone is more pliable and comfortable.

If your child wants plastic frames, then think about picking out eyeglasses that have a saddle bridge. Saddle bridge glasses are curved across the bridge and this allows the frames to cradle the nose. The weight of the frames is evenly distributed across the right and left side of the nose and this helps to keep them in place.

If your child needs glasses, then frames must be chosen carefully to make sure they are right for your son or daughter. Uncomfortable frames and unsightly glasses may mean that your child will not wear them. Consider the tips above when making your choice.