Progressive Lenses for Children

Children complaining of headaches, blurred vision and fatigue may suffer from an inability to shift their focus from the work on their desk to the work on the board in the classroom. Bifocals are glasses with two types of lenses -- one for closeup work and one for distance vision, with a line showing the junction of the lenses. Progressive lenses do not have any demarcation where they change from one lens to the other.

Bifocals

• Certain children prefer bifocals with a line between the lens types because it helps them to know where to look depending upon how close or far an object may be. If a child has good distance vision but his close vision is blurred, the top lens may not have any prescription. Bifocals may be prescribed to reduce the problems associated with the child's inability to refocus. Parents often believe that the line is unsightly and opt for progressive lenses instead.

Progressive Lenses

• Studies under way to prove that prolonged use of progressive addition lenses (PALs) for children with myopia (nearsightedness) will correct their vision have been inconclusive. A study funded by the National Eye Institute shows that some vision correction occurs during the first year, but no changes take place in subsequent years. As a result, the National Eye Institute does not recommend that progressive lenses be prescribed for slowing the progression of myopia. They are still a good option to help alleviate the child's vision-related symptoms.

Presbyopia

• Presbyopia, or an inability to focus on close objects, is usually an affliction suffered by adults as they age. Progressive lenses for presbyopia are therefore not usually prescribed for children, although in rare cases children do suffer from presbyopia and may benefit from progressive lenses, which will improve their vision for close work.

Children's Frames

• Children's eyeglass frames come in a wide variety. Children often want their glasses to be similar in design to those of a parent or sibling, or they may choose pop, television or cartoon icons. It is important for their self-esteem that they be allowed to make the choice themselves. Children's glasses frames are made for comfort and durability. Spring hinges, strong frame materials and impact-resistant lenses are all available.