Key Takeaways
- Nano glasses are made from a flexible silicone material called Siliflex™ that bends without breaking.
- They come in two wearing styles, standard temples and an elastic strap, so they work for both school and active play.
- The frames are hypoallergenic, BPA-free, and available for children from newborn to age 16.
- Add-ons like anti-reflective coating and transition lenses can make the glasses more comfortable for daily use.
- An optometrist can confirm your child’s prescription and help find the right fit.
Children Are Hard on Frames
If your child has gone through more than one pair of glasses in a single school year, you understand the struggle. Frames get sat on, stuffed into backpacks, and bent in directions they were never meant to go. Finding glasses that can keep up is a real challenge for a lot of parents.
Nano glasses are a good, resilient option. These frames are built from a flexible, durable material that holds up to everyday wear without sacrificing comfort or fit.
Our team at Visionary Eye Centre is here to help you find options that fit your child’s vision needs and routine. If you’re interested in finding frames and lenses that pass the stress test, our frames and lenses guide is a helpful start.
What Nano Glasses Actually Are
Nano glasses designed specifically for children, from newborns all the way up to age 16. They’re not just smaller versions of adult frames. They’re built from the ground up with kids’ activity levels in mind, which means that they can take more than the average pair of glasses.
These frames are made from d Siliflex™, a silicone-based material that gives them a flexibility that most standard frames don’t have. If you’re curious about how to pick the right frame style for your child’s face shape and features, our guide to choosing children’s glasses covers the key factors.
What Makes Nano Frames Hold Up
The Material Behind the Durability
Siliflex™ bends under pressure instead of snapping. This means that, if your child sits on their glasses or shoves them into a coat pocket, the frames flex and return to their shape rather than cracking at the hinge or bridge.
The material is also lightweight. A heavier frame can leave marks on the nose after a full school day, or may slide down the bridge of the nose. Lighter frames tend to stay in place, which makes them more comfortable for long-term wear.
2 Ways to Wear Them
Nano frames come with two wearing options depending on what your child needs. Standard temples work well for everyday use like school and reading. For sports, recess, or any activity where a secure fit matters, there’s an elastic head strap option that keeps the glasses in place without depending on the temples alone.
Key Features Worth Knowing About
For kids with sensitive skin, the hypoallergenic and BPA-free materials used for Nano glasses reduce the chances of irritation around the ears and nose.
The frames themselves also come in a wide range of colours and styles. Letting a child pick their own pair goes a long way towards getting them to wear their glasses consistently.
Nano frames are also compatible with prescription lenses and UV-protective options, which means that they can handle both your child’s vision needs and sun protection. This is important, as UV light affects the eyes and can cause damage after repeated exposure.
Anti-Reflective Coating and Other Add-Ons
What It Does for Young Eyes
Anti-reflective coating reduces glare from screens and overhead fluorescent lighting—exactly the kind of environment your child finds themselves in at school. Reducing glare can make it easier for kids to focus on the board or their homework without straining.
Exposure to blue light may affect children’s sleep if they spend a lot of time in front of screens, so anti-blue light coating may help them get more rest.
Anti-fog coatings are worth thinking about for kids who are active outdoors, especially during colder months when moving between temperatures causes lenses to fog up. Transition lenses are another option for children who move between indoor and outdoor settings throughout the day. These lenses adjust to light levels automatically rather than needing a separate pair of sunglasses.
For a full overview of lens materials and coatings, see our guide to choosing the right lenses.
How an Optometrist Can Help You Choose
Before you pick a frame, your child’s current prescription needs to be confirmed. An up-to-date eye exam gives your optometrist a clear picture of their vision situation. Our team at Visionary Eye Centre can walk you through our Nano frame options, help with fitting, and answer any questions you have about lens add-ons.
Request an appointment at our Sherwood Park or Edmonton clinic to get started.
