Paediatric Frames and Lenses: Giving Kids the Best Start in Life

I recall my first pair of specs. They were just a small metal double-bridge frame, with glass lenses. It’s no wonder glasses had the stigma of being a medical appliance and kids didn’t want to wear them.

How times have changed.

Companies now specialise in, or are introducing, specific paediatric ranges for kids of all ages, including babies and toddlers. Optical dispensers no longer need to worry about cutting the temples down to size to suit or searching high and low for a frame that will fit. We now have an abundance of brands, materials, shapes, colours, sizes, and designs: all made to suit various ages and stages of development.

Similarly, there are now options when it comes to lens materials, and it has become common practice to dispense trivex or polycarbonate lenses for our little ones.

Lens Choices

Trivex or polycarbonate lenses are the preferred materials for children as they are highly impact resistant. They are also lighter and more comfortable, compared with CR-39.

UV Protection

Trivex and polycarbonate lenses come with ultraviolet (UV) protection, which is an important consideration as studies have shown that 50–80% of UV damage occurs before the age of 18. UV damage can be caused by exposure to sunlight without protection from any form of glasses. In children, the risk of UV damage is heightened because a child’s crystalline lens is more transparent, therefore allowing more short wavelengths of light to reach the retina.

The Australian Cancer Council’s SunSmart program – Slip, Slop, Slap – launched back in the 1980s, had multi-generational impact. The campaign was further expanded in 2007 to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide, reflecting the importance of seeking shade and sliding on sunglasses. The latter clearly demonstrating the importance of UV protection to the eyes.

The SunSmart message is further enhanced in most, if not all preschools and schools across Australia, where kids aren’t allowed to go out on the playground without a hat, and all have sunscreen available.

Photochromic lenses, while reducing the amount of UV hitting the eye, also assist children with light sensitivities, headaches, or glare discomfort. They can also save the cost of sunglasses and ensure the child doesn’t need to swap glasses throughout the day.

Multicoats

Multicoats are also strongly recommended as they allow light to travel through the lens at a faster rate. This significantly reduces surface reflection on the lens, reducing distractions and optimising clarity for the child. This can have a significant impact on learning in the early years of school and on the child’s level of confidence.

Again, as products have evolved, gone are the days where dispensers would not recommend a multicoat as they were harder to keep clean or would show smudges. Multicoat technology has improved dramatically, making lenses much easier to care for, ensuring the benefits of the multicoat outweighs the need to keep them clean.

Myopia Control Designs

With myopia on the rise, lens designers are increasingly focussing their efforts on various lens designs to help control the progression of this sight-threatening disease. This has changed the way we think about paediatrics, as there is now research and development budgets for the design and implementation of lenses specifically for children. Previously, the main demographic designers focussed on were the presbyopes with progressive and various office lenses.

Generally, children are very active, and this means that having a poor-fitting frame can affect their vision and comfort

Frame Choices

Generally, children are very active, and this means that having a poor-fitting frame can affect their vision and comfort. If their spectacles are slipping constantly, it’s annoying. They’re not looking through their optical centre (OC), and the action of pushing up the frames can cause dirty lenses, again affecting their vision. The discomfort is likely to cause them to dislike wearing glasses.

When it comes to choosing a frame for a baby or child, it’s not merely scaling an adult frame down to a smaller size. A child’s head can be up to one-fifth of their body. Also, young children have not yet developed their bridge; it’s not until around six to eight years that the bridge/nose tends to lift and become higher, although this can vary depending on multiple factors, including the ethnicity of the child. As a result, most children require a larger splayed bridge, or a bridge with a lower crest. If the bridge is too narrow or the nasal design is deep, this can cause red marks, pinching, slipping, and even cause damage to sinuses.

Although there are trendy, smart frame styles available, when fitting a child, remember that they tend to spend a lot of their time looking up, so having a lens sitting higher is ideal. This ensures their eyes are aligned with the OC or horizontal centre line (HCL). Otherwise, if the frames are sitting below eyebrow line, they may only be using a quarter of the lens and not looking through the OC, meaning they’re not getting the best vision from their lenses.

Frame Material

Sometimes, a metal frame with nose pads can be a great option as it’s more universal in fitting comfortably on a nose and can be adjusted. However, with wear and tear, nose pads tend to get ‘grotty’ and out of alignment. More modern kids’ frames are made of various plastic materials that are not only lightweight (improving comfort), flexible (improving durability), and non-toxic, they also come in a variety of colours and shapes to suit our fashion-conscious children and parents. Peter Carruthers from Idol Eyes Australia, particularly identifies Baby Wrapz and Baby Wrapz 2 – unbreakable rubber frames with easily adjustable neoprene headbands – as being suitable for little ones.

Similarly, Little4Eyes has Tomato Glasses ‘Kids A’, a range designed with a simple oval shape to maximise lens area, that’s available in five sizes (37, 40, 43, and 45). Each model is available in a number of different colours, ranging from subtle crystals to the bold and bright. Some of the frames also have illustrations alongside the temples to allow children to feel excited about their glasses, improving compliance. For smaller faces, a similar style with a flexible silicone temple is available in sizes 35, 37, and 39 in the ‘Baby A’ range.

Frames specifically designed for kids often come in age-appropriate bright colour tones, with added functionality like cords, or straps to ensure the spectacles are the most comfortable. Regardless of how well the vision is through the lenses, kids won’t wear them if they aren’t comfortable or happy with them. Hence, ensuring kids are involved in the dispensing process is key to success.

Frames specifically designed for kids often come in age-appropriate bright colour tones, with added functionality like cords, or straps

Kids’ Corner

Any dispensing practice wanting to cater for our younger ones should seriously consider a special kids’ corner.

This dedicated area of the practice for paediatric dispenses – with, for example, a colourful display that has mirrors at different heights and a clean and fresh toy box – can change the experience for both the child and parent.

A small investment in new clean toys will ensure the area is attractive to kids. Having a toy box of your old, donated toys detracts from the look and doesn’t give the fun-filled environment you need to ensure everyone feels welcome and excited to be involved.

Below, you’ll see a selection of thoughtfully designed kids’ frames and lenses that will ensure your young patients get the great start they need to fulfil a life of potential.

Chedy Kalach is a Director of the Australasian College of Optical Dispensing and the Australasian College of Audiometry. Mr Kalach holds a Certificate IV in Optical Dispensing, a Bachelor of Applied Vision Science Orthoptics (Honours), a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, a Master’s of Business Administration, and Diploma of Practice Management.

He has lectured throughout Australia and New Zealand, and has reviewed, edited and taught the Cert IV in Optical Dispensing course, as well as the Diploma for Practice Management at various teaching institutions.

Kids’ Frames for a Head Start

augie

 

augie’s Glitter glasses can change any sceptical glasses wearer into a glasses lover.

Call it a superpower. Call it magic. Watch the smiles appear as your little patients sparkle with delight in new glasses – and actually keep them on!

Plus augie helps to feed the one in five kids that go to school with no lunch through Eatup Australia.

Visit: augieeyewear.com.au or call (AUS) 1300 391 440

Centrostyle

 

Active frames by Centrostyle are suitable for children aged between 0–14 years. For early childhood, Active frames are made of lightweight, soft, safe materials, often without metal parts, to allow freedom of movement while keeping the correct optical centre.

Each frame is supplied with a cord. Most models for ages 6+ are suitable for myopia control lenses.

Contact: Aviva and Mann (AUS) 1300 850 882

Nano Vista

 

Nano Vista frames are designed so that children aged 0–18 years enjoy their first glasses without worries. Flexible, non-toxic, adjustable, adaptable, and ergonomic are just some of the qualities offered by Nano Vista.

Each frame is supplied with two headbands for optimal security and fit.

Contact: Aviva and Mann (AUS) 1300 850 882

Idol Eyes

Idol Eyes Australia has the largest and most amazing range of baby, toddler, and kids’ sunglasses. Pictured is Baby Wrapz 2, a most comfortable and unbreakable Rx frame that can be fitted with high power minus lenses.

Contact: Idol Eyes (AUS) 02 9899 9288

Police

Introducing Police Champ Jr., an extremely lightweight and comfortable frame with polarised clip-on lenses featuring fast magnetic mounting. Constructed from a highly resistant and light-injected plastic (TR90), this frame and clip-on combination is perfect for the sporty teen.

Contact: De Rigo (AUS) 02 9428 1500

Lipo

 

Lipo’s award-winning kids’ eyewear, designed specifically for myopia control, offers patent-pending frames built to grow with children. With adjustable temple lengths, multiple nose pads, and eco-friendly Swiss EMS polyamides, Lipo ensures comfort, durability, and a precise fit, making it an ideal choice for myopia control lenses.

Contact: Asia Contacts (AUS) 0413 243 782

Beamers

 

Beamers, an Australian sunglass brand, has unique Optoshield technology and is designed for children, offering best-in-class ultraviolet radiation and glare protection.

All Beamers sunglasses have polarised UV400 lenses in flexible soft and durable frames. Beamers Bird and Mini-Bird collections are available in a range of colours. Beamers sunglasses are scriptable.

Visit: beamers.com.au

Little4Eyes

 

Little4Eyes’ newest kid on the block, Demi + Dash features a modular design that can be stretched and twisted in all directions – this time in popular crystal colours! Made from ultralight and hypoallergenic materials, the frames are designed in collaboration with eye care professionals for ergonomic fits. Available in sizes from 45 to 54.

Contact: Little4Eyes (AUS) 03 9448 8932

Marchon

The new school year is here, so it’s time to shop for new eyewear. Help your patients to choose a frame that will survive playground accidents. Whether it’s school, sports, or weekend activities, Lacoste, Nike, Flexon, Marchon NYC, and Coast Junior offer easy-to-wear eyewear for kids that is made to last with the bonus of two years’ unconditional warranty.

Contact: Marchon (AUS) 1800 251 025 or (NZ) 0800 141 444

Polaroid Kids

 

The Polaroid Kids collection is designed to be accessible, sustainable, and durable for children under the age of 13.

Manufactured with a focus on stability and drop resistance, with anti-slip and durable materials, the frames are suitable for any activity, and crafted from safe, lightweight, and soft materials for comfortable all-day wear.

Contact: Safilo (AUS) 1800 252 016

STEPPER Start

 

STEPPER Start frames were designed in collaboration with Dr Alicia Thompson from the Association of British Dispensing Opticians (ABDO). Each frame is injection moulded using TX5 material, meeting Dr Thompson’s data requirements for frame wrap, frame angle, bridge profile, crest height, interpupillary distance, splay angle, apical radius, temple width, head width, and pantoscopic angle. Temple length is adjustable.

Contact: Optique Line (AUS) 03 9853 0796.

Kids’ Lenses for a Head Start

 

MyCon 2 by Rodenstock

 

Rodenstock MyCon 2 is designed for myopia correction and control. MyCon 2 lenses offer improved imaging properties by customising the lens to the fit of the frame and thus to the child’s unique face. Mycon 2 can take into account centration values (corneal vertex distance, wrap, and tilt). By using these parameters, improved imaging properties can be achieved in the focus area of the lens while maintaining the effect of myopia control in the periphery.

They’re available in index 1.5, 1.6, 1.67, and 1.74 in clear, tinted, polarised, and ColorMatic, which make the lenses thinner and sleeker than many other myopia lenses on the market and well suited to high prescriptions.

Contact: Rodenstock (AUS) 02 9748 0988

MiyoSmart by HOYA

 

HOYA has a wide range of lenses suited to children, from progressive lenses that assist children with near vision or binocular deficiencies to the award-winning¹ MiyoSmart portfolio of myopia management solutions.

MiyoSmart spectacle lenses were shown to slow myopia progression by 60% in children aged 8–13² and the findings of the six-year, long-term follow-up study proved that the MiyoSmart spectacle lens myopia control effect is sustained over time for children wearing the lens, with an average cumulative myopia progression less than 1.00D and axial elongation 0.6 mm over six years in children that wore MiyoSmart for the duration of the study.³

It also confirmed that patients who stop wearing the MiyoSmart spectacle lens show no rebound effects.³

Available in clear and sun options:

• MiyoSmart Chameleon photochromic spectacle lenses rapidly adapt to the levels of sunlight, providing children with as much protection as they need at any time and place.^4-6

• MiyoSmart Sunbird polarised spectacle lenses are the ideal addition to MiyoSmart clear spectacle lenses for extra protection from intense sunlight and glare.^5,7

Contact: HOYA Account Manager

References

1.Winners: 2018 Exhibition’s grand prix. Inventions Geneva. N.D. available at: inventions-geneva.ch/en/winners; 2020 Silmo Paris available at: silmoparis.com/SILMO-d-OR/SILMO-d-Or-Awards/2020-Winners#; Best lens design 2023. OMEGA Melbourne available at: odma.com.au/odma-general-news/odma-2023awards-for-excellence-winners [accessed Nov 2024].

2. Lam CSY, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2020 Mar;104(3):363-368. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2018-313739.

3. Lam CSY, et al. Sci Rep. 2023;13:5475. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-32700-7.

4. HOYA data on file. PSF test on MiyoSmart clear and sun spectacle lenses. Jun 2022.

5. HOYA data on file. Transmission, traffic light recognition, and UV blocking test for MiyoSmart clear and polarized lenses. Feb 2023. Tests conducted at room temperature (23°C).

6. HOYA data on file. Lens performance validation test for MiyoSmart photochromic lenses – activation and deactivation. Feb 2023. Tests conducted at room temperature (23°C).

7. World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Sunlight exposure and children’s eyes consensus statement 2016. Available at: wspos.org/wspos-sunlight-exposurechildrens-eyes-consensus-statement [accessed Jul 2023].

Essilor Stellest

 

The Essilor Stellest lens, featuring H.A.L.T. (Highly Aspheric Lenslet Target) technology, uses 1,021 aspherical lenslets arranged in 11 rings to create a volume of non-focussed light. Essilor Stellest lenses slowed down myopia progression by 1.75D over a five-year period on average.^{^1} Stellest lenses are made from a durable polycarbonate material, available with Crizal Rock coating, which offers scratch and smudge resistance and 100% UV protection. Available in a wide power range (+2.00†–12.00D sphere and 0–4.00D^‡ cylinder). Stellest lens options now include sunglass tints for outdoor activities, providing UV protection, glare reduction, and comfortable vision, ensuring myopia management continues seamlessly indoors and out.

Contact: Amy.Pillay@au.luxottica.com or call (AUS) 0447 684 145

References

^compared to the 60-month progression of the extrapolated control group (predicted average annual decrease in SER by 9.7% based on the initial two-year control group, Smotherman C, et al. IOVS 2023;64: ARVO E-Abstract 811).

† SER ≤ 0 for sphere [0.00; +2.00].

‡ Depending on sphere.

1. Li X, et al. Myopia control efficacy of spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets: results of a 5-year follow-up study. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024;65(7):131.

Australis by CR Labs

 

Australis Kids multifocal lenses are designed to support children’s dynamic and active lifestyles. Unlike conventional adult lenses, they offer a broad, clear viewing area for both distance and near vision. With a shorter corridor, these lenses enable children to access their near prescription faster and from different angles, making them ideal for those with accommodative or convergence conditions.

This lens design is the perfect match for Safilo’s Polaroid Kids complete pair offer through the Full Circle program. Paired with Polaroid frames that provide excellent durability and an Asian fit option, this combination ensures that children have both the optical performance and comfortable fit they need for their busy days.

Visit: crlabs.au

Gelflex

 

Gelflex provides solutions for infant eye care with soft custom lenses and baby scleral lenses. Designed to navigate the challenges of fitting babies’ eyes, Gelflex lenses adapt seamlessly to babies’ ever-changing corneal topography.

Lenses are crafted to correct vision gently and effectively and provide comfort and high levels of DK, which is so important for sensitive, developing eyes. Through meticulous quality control, each lens delivers optical clarity and comfort.

Contact: Gelflex (AUS) 1800 335 559

Moonlens

 

Moonlens by KATT Design is the latest advancement in modern myopia management, providing a safe, healthy vision correction option without glasses, daytime contacts or surgery.

The orthokeratology lens design allows prescription to a wider range of patients, while allowing accelerated fitting for faster chair time.

From children to adults, your patients can sleep their way to autonomous, clear vision with MoonLens.

Contact: Contact Lens Centre Australia (AUS) 1800 125 023

NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day

 

NaturalVue (etafilcon A) multifocal 1 day contact lenses are indicated for the correction of myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia, and myopia progression control.

NaturalVue 1 day multifocal has a catenary curve-based design with a rapid and uninterrupted increase in plus power from the optical centre of the lens, which creates a long and narrow extended depth of focus channel along the visual axis. The power profile produces 6-8D of relative plus at 6 mm.

The design is easily adapted by the brain without sacrificing vision quality.

For myopes, the lens provides excellent vision and is proven effective in reducing myopia progression,¹ even in patients with small pupils.²

Contact: Gelflex (AUS) 1800 335 559

References

1. Tuan A. Randomised controlled trial for myopia progression control using catenary power profile contact lenses: 12-month effectiveness and safety. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science June 2024, Vol.65, 2697.
2. Tuan et al. Optical defocus to influence the progression of myopia and eye growth shows dosage-dependency in children. IMC poster presentation Hainan China 2024.

CooperVision MiSight 1 day

 

MiSight 1 day from CooperVision is the first soft contact lens with approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration for slowing the progression of childhood myopia.^†

A power range from -0.25D to -10.00D (0.50D steps after -6.00D) allows most children to benefit from soft lens myopia management.

MiSight 1 day contact lenses are backed by the longest-running soft contact lens study among children.1 This study also confirmed the preference children have for contact lenses, giving optometrists the evidence to support their decision making and parental conversations.^2,3

Contact: CooperVision (AUS) 1800 655 480 or (NZ) 0800 606 060

References

†US FDA Indications for Use: MiSight 1 day (omafilcon A) Soft (Hydrophilic) Contact Lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8–12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 dioptres (spherical equivalent) with ≤0.75 dioptres of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal

1. Chamberlain P et al. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96:556–567.

2. Sulley A et al. Optom Vis Sci 2019;96(E-abstract):195252.

3. CooperVision data on file, 2023. For instructions for use refer to coopervision.net.au/patient-instruction.