The ABC's Of Healthy Eyes

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 10 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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Did you know that one in four children has a vision problem1? Given the fact that 80 percent of what a child learns comes through the visual processing of information2, it's important for parents to make sure their children receive regular vision assessments to protect their eye health.

If your child does need eyeglasses, keep in mind the following when purchasing eyewear:

-- Make sure your child is involved with selecting his or her eyewear. If they like the eyeglasses, they will be more likely to wear them.

-- To keep frames from breaking, try memory metal frames that twist and flex for active lifestyles. Or try spring-hinged frames which allow the arms of a frame to easily bend back and forth up to 180 degrees.

-- Explore lens options that can protect your child's eyes and their eyeglasses. Polycarbonate lenses keep are impact-resistant to keep the eyes safe; scratch-resistant lenses are a must for a child's carefree lifestyle and photochromic lenses change from clear inside to dark outside to protect from UV rays.

-- Frame fit is extremely important. Work with an optician to ensure the frame fits comfortably across the bridge of the nose and at the temples.

-- Consider buying two pairs of frames for their children; a pair for everyday and a spare.

Options for children's eyewear are limitless! Top trends include:

-- Characters: SpongeBob SquarePants, Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Disney, Barbie and more.

-- Details: Embellishments like sparkles and crystals as well as other details like flowers and bows are a hit with girls. Trends for boys include thick chunky frames that take on "nerd cool" look and rugged and sporty frames.

-- Shapes: Round plastic frames or thin square shapes are popping up for kids; simple shapes in vivid hues make these styles ideal for boys and girls.

-- Colors: Select frames in bright vivid hues like blues, greens, yellows and pinks. Bold patterns around the eyes and at the temples are also a fun option.

About Eyecessorize

Eyecessorize is The Vision Council's campaign to increase awareness of the fashion and lifestyle aspects of eyewear. By sharing the latest in eyewear trends, advances in technology and advice from eyewear experts, The Vision Council educates millions of Americans about options in eyeglasses and sunglasses.

1 Prevent Blindness America. Your Child's Sight, Illinois; September 1997

2 Gazzaniga, M.S.; Ivry, R. B.; Jangun, G. R.; Cognitive Neuroscience, the Biology of the Mind. New York: WW Norton & Co., 1998.

Source: The Vision Council