Eyeglass cases are an essential tool to keep your spectacles damage-free. Our childrenâs eye doctor can help you select a stylish, yet practical, one that your kid will love carrying around.
A child’s visual system is continuously changing and growing, especially during the first 5-6 years of life, and eyeglasses play an important role in ensuring normal vision development.
A children’s eye doctor may recommend eyeglasses for your little one for several reasons, including:
- To provide better and clearer vision
- To help strengthen the vision of a weak eye (amblyopia or lazy eye)
- To straighten the eyes if they are crossed or misaligned (strabismus)
- To provide protection for one eye, if the other has poor vision
Children’s Eye Exams At Our Calgary Clinic
At Market Mall Optometry, our eye doctors provide a range of children’s vision services including eye exams, contact lens fittings and eye emergency care to keep your kid’s eyesight healthy, comfortable and clear for many years to come.
Is it time to schedule a visit to the children’s eye doctor?
How to Choose The Right Eye Glasses Case For Your Child
Many people underestimate the importance of a case for your child’s eyeglasses, but the type you select can affect how long your little one’s spectacles remain protected and in good condition.
There are three types of cases:
1. Hard Eyeglass Case
This case is made with a firm, hard shell and tends to be a little on the larger side. They often have a hinge and open up like a clam shell. Most eye doctors recommend this case for children.
The greatest advantage: You NEVER have to worry about the safety of your eyeglasses when they are inside this case. There is no better protection for your lenses or frames.
2. Semi-Hard Eyeglass Case
These cases closely resemble hard cases but have several advantages over the former, including the fact that they:
- Are made from a more flexible exterior material, but with a firm interior to protect the eyeglasses
- Have a zip opening, which is more convenient and easy to use
- Are less bulky
3. Soft Eyeglass Case
A soft eyeglass case has a less firm exterior compared to the hard and semi-hard cases and is usually made from a very pliable material. It is a great choice if you are planning on storing your glasses on a desk, nightstand, pocket or glove compartment.
Some of their advantages include:
- They protect your lenses from getting scratched
- Most are made from a microfiber material that can be used to clean your eyeglasses as well
- They are the least bulky type of case and easy to carry around
If your child’s eyeglass frame is made from thick metal or plastic, then a soft case may be a suitable option. However, they are NOT suitable for holding glasses in a backpack or suitcase.
3 Tips For Choosing The Right Eyeglasses Case
Choosing an eyeglass case is not always straight-forward and it’s important to work together with your children’s eye doctor to select the right eyewear accessories for your child. When doing so, here are some things you may want to consider:
1. Try It On For Size
Make sure that you try any potential eyeglass case to ensure that they are the right size for your spectacles. This is important because:
- If the case is too big, the eyeglasses will be jostled around too much during transport and may be damaged.
- If the case is too small, it could place pressure on the frames when closed, which can cause unwanted bending.
REMEMBER: The eyeglasses should fit snugly and securely and the case should close easily without you having to adjust the frame too much.
2. Make Sure It's Soft Inside
Even though most children’s eye doctors recommend a harder case for better protection, you should make sure that it still has a soft lining inside. Otherwise, the eyeglasses might not be properly cushioned if you drop the case.
3. Let Your Child Have A Say In The Decision
Your little one must like the case you choose, otherwise they might not use it as often and this will put the eyeglasses at risk of getting damaged. Let them choose a case that:
- Is in their favorite color
- Has a funky or fun pattern which matches their specific style
- Is not too bulky or heavy to carry around
NOTE: A good eyeglasses case will help prevent your child’s frames from bending and keep their lenses scratch-free, but only if they use it. Giving them a say in the decision will ensure that they will.
Call Today
To find out more about our vision services for kids, including eye emergencies and contact lens fittings, contact our Calgary children’s eye doctors today at 403-286-4884 or book an eye exam today.
