We understand how crucial it is for children to have comfortable, well-fitting spectacles. It’s not just about seeing clearly but also about ensuring their daily comfort and boosting their confidence. Recently, we came across an insightful PhD thesis by Alicia Jane Thompson titled “Development of Paediatric Spectacle Frames Based on Craniofacial Anthropometry Using Three-Dimensional Imaging” (2021). Her research sheds light on how we can achieve better-fitting frames for our little ones.
So, what’s this all about? Well, Alicia’s research focuses on improving the design of kids’ glasses by using 3D imaging to study their facial measurements. She looked at typically developed White British children, Chinese children, and children with Down’s syndrome to understand the differences in their facial features and how these affect the fit of their glasses. See the below graph and the amount of the adjustments that need to be made to children’s frames before they become well-fitted. If there were more inclusively fitting frame perhaps there would be less need for these adjustments, and while we don’t make or sell frames, properly fitting frames ensure that our Fun Patches stay in place and are most effective.
Key Takeaways
Craniofacial Growth Patterns:
Typically Developed White British children: These kids show clear development of the nasal bearing surface early on. As they grow, the nose area tends to narrow.
Chinese children and children with Down’s Syndrome: These groups don’t show the same nasal development, so they need glasses with larger parameters like increased frontal and splay angles and a greater distance between the rim and apical radius.
Facial Measurement Differences
Chinese children and children with Down’s syndrome have lower crest heights and shorter front-to-bend measurements compared to typically developed White British children.
There are also significant differences in head width and pupillary distance, which are crucial for designing frames that fit well.
Implications for Spectacle Frame Design
Kids with Down’s syndrome need specific design considerations due to their unique facial development. They aren’t uniformly smaller or larger than typically developed children, so bespoke designs are necessary.
Alicia’s study provides valuable data to help create frames that fit a wide range of children comfortably.
Her research involved using stereophotogrammetry to capture and analyse 3D facial images, ensuring accurate measurements with adequate sample sizes and precise calibration of the imaging equipment. She also gathered data from optical professionals about current practices and preferences in paediatric dispensing.
Conclusion
This research highlights the need for spectacle frame manufacturers to consider the diverse facial characteristics of children from various ethnic backgrounds and those with Down’s syndrome. The insights from this paper can lead to manufacturers being able to create more inclusive pediatric frames, ultimately improving fit and comfort for kids everywhere.
Supporting a Clearer Vision for All Kids
At Kay Pictures, we’re dedicated to helping pediatric eye specialists and parents find better-fitting, more inclusive spectacle frames for children. Check out the graphs below to see some of the brands featured in the thesis for their adaptable frame designs for children under 12 months, and between 1-3 years old.
By supporting brands that prioritise diverse, adaptive and comfortable fits, we can help ensure every child sees the world with clarity and confidence and that
