Rimless or full-frame glasses? Which one is better for my child? Simply put, there are advantages and disadvantages to both that one should consider.
Rimless frames can be a wonderful choice for older children. They are minimalistic, sophisticated, lightweight, and really help keep the focus on the child’s face and eyes. Rimless frames can also often “grow with a child”. Because there is no frame restricting the optician, lens size may be increased to accommodate a growing child. Rimless frames are an excellent choice for children with very small faces or very large faces, where they may have trouble fitting into anything else comfortably.
On the down side, rimless frames are also more fragile simply because the edge of the lens is exposed leaving it more prone to chipping or cracking. And since the lenses are exposed and visible, thickness becomes more of an issue. Children with prescriptions stronger than a + / – 5.00 should consider a full-frame pair of glasses. I would suggest rimless frames for children over 10, or in other words, children who have “settled down” a bit. Older children are more capable of taking the extra care a rimless frame needs, like more gentle handling and cleaning, for example. Younger children are often too busy running, jumping, and climbing to be bothered with taking proper care of a rimless frame; they need something that’s a little more hassle-free and can keep up with their lifestyles.
Full-frame glasses, whether plastic or metal, are a better choice for younger, more active children. Over all, a full-frame pair of eyeglasses has a more solid construction and a sturdier feel and can better keep up with the lifestyle of an active youngster. The lenses are better protected, too, and won’t chip or crack as easily. Lens thickness is less of an issue with full-framed glasses, since any edge thickness is masked by the rim (this is true more so in plastic frames than in metal). Full-frame plastic or metal frames are also available in a wide array of styles and colors so one can really have fun with it (that’s not to say that they aren’t any fun rimless frames around because there are plenty, and we can’t wait to share them with you in the coming months!). But full-frame plastic or metal frames generally offer a bolder, edgier look.
Because of their bolder, more prominent look, however, it’s essential that the frame fits and looks just right. Something too dark or heavy-looking, or simply too big (or small), is going to look worse than a rimless frame that is all those things. Choose a frame and a color that compliments the face of the child, not hides it. Full-frame glasses also have a tendency to be heavier, for obvious reasons (there is more frame material there), so be sure to ask your child how the frame feels when they put it on for the first time.
Ultimately, choosing the best frame for your child depends on a number of factors, the most important being:
- The child’s prescription
- The child’s age
- The desired style/look
- The fit
- The comfort level
If you’ve taken into consideration all of these factors, then you should feel confident in your frame decision!
