{"id":8983,"date":"2020-11-30T12:21:20","date_gmt":"2020-11-30T12:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=8983"},"modified":"2022-06-29T17:05:04","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T17:05:04","slug":"optical-lenses-for-children","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/optical\/guide-to-optical-lenses\/optical-lenses-for-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Optical Lenses for Children"},"content":{"rendered":"

Which optical lenses are best for children?<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you are purchasing new eyeglasses for your child, you may not even be aware that different lens options exist.<\/p>\n

While your optometrist will be able to guide you and recommend a specific type of lens for your child’s individual needs, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different lens materials.<\/p>\n

The following is a guide to the most common lenses for children. However, if your child has a high optical prescription (above 2.00 diopters) then high-index lenses may be recommended as well.<\/i><\/p>\n

Polycarbonate\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Polycarbonate is the most popular choice for children\u2019s eyewear\u2014 from eyeglasses to sports goggles and sunglasses.<\/b><\/p>\n

These lenses can withstand the active play children are involved in on a daily basis, and protect your child\u2019s eyes as they engage in different physical activities.<\/p>\n

While not completely indestructible, polycarbonate is the strongest plastic lens material available, and is widely known for its high impact resistance, durability and built-in UV protection.<\/p>\n

Polycarbonate lenses have a refractive index<\/a> of 1.59, so are thinner and lighter than regular plastic (CR-39) lenses, making them a comfortable choice for children.<\/p>\n

However, while these lenses can be beneficial in many different ways, it is important to know that polycarbonate lenses may not provide the clearest vision, especially when compared to other plastic lenses.<\/p>\n

Trivex<\/b><\/h2>\n

Trivex plastic is another common lens material used for children.<\/p>\n

Trivex lenses are similar to polycarbonate lenses as they are also impact resistant and provide adequate protection from eye injuries. These lenses have a refractive index of 1.53 and are therefore also thinner, lighter and more comfortable than regular plastic lenses.<\/p>\n

Trivex lenses provide clearer vision than polycarbonate lenses, with less visual distortion.<\/b><\/p>\n

The downside to trivex lenses is that this material doesn\u2019t offer a wide selection of lens designs when compared to CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses\u2014 so if your child requires a bifocal or multifocal lens<\/a>, trivex may not be the right choice.<\/p>\n

Another detail to keep in mind is that with all of its advantages, trivex can also be slightly more expensive. This may influence your decision when choosing between trivex, polycarbonate, and CR-39 lenses.<\/p>\n

If your child needs glasses,<\/b> speak with an optometrist<\/b><\/a> to learn more about your lens options.<\/b><\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/b> Guide to High-Index Lenses<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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