"What size glasses for a 12-year-old?" is a very common question, and the honest answer is: it depends on the face, not the age. Two 12-year-olds can need very different sizes. Here is how to find the right fit.
Start with the three numbers
Inside one temple (the arm) of every frame you will see three numbers like 48-17-135. They are in millimetres:
- 48: lens width
- 17: bridge width (the part over the nose)
- 135: temple length
Our frame size guide explains each one. If your child has a pair that fits well now, copy those numbers for the new frame.
A rough starting point
Many frames for pre-teens and teens have a lens width from the mid-40s to around 50 mm. Treat this as a loose guide only. A small face can need less, and a growing child may be ready for more.
A 5-point fit check
- Eyes in the middle. Each eye should sit near the centre of its lens.
- No pinching. The frame should not squeeze at the temples.
- No sliding. When your child looks down, the glasses should stay put.
- Not too wide. The frame should not stick out past the sides of the face.
- Eyebrows free. The top of the frame should sit at or just below the brow.
Material and lens
Choose a light, flexible frame. TR90 is a popular choice. See which material lasts the longest. Impact-resistant lenses are commonly chosen for children. Our children's eyewear guide covers silicone nose pads, spring hinges and ways to help a child wear glasses every day.
Let them choose
A frame a child likes is a frame a child wears. Let them pick the colour from options that fit.
Their prescription
A child's prescription should always come from an eye doctor. Their eyes are still changing, so do not guess or reuse an old pair. For help reading the slip, see what DS and SPH mean.
Ask us before you order
Send your child's age and prescription, plus the size numbers of their current pair, and we will tell you which frames suit. Or bring them in and we can fit and adjust the pair on them.
This article is general information, not medical advice. For persistent symptoms or any sudden change in your vision, see an eye-care professional.
Want to see a frame before you buy?
Tell us which frame you are looking at and we will answer your questions. In Aligarh you can try frames in the shop, or have 10 to 15 brought to your home for ₹100.
Ask Deepak Optical about a frame.
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