Eyewear Selection Guide for Ages 0-19

Throughout the development of the human visual system, from birth to old age, the structure and function of the eyes undergo significant changes, with different age groups facing distinct visual challenges. Research indicates that scientifically informed eyeglass usage strategies can effectively protect vision, prevent myopia progression, and enhance quality of life.

I. Childhood (0–12 years): Critical Period for Visual Development

1. Ages 0–3: Foundational Development Stage of the Visual System

This stage represents the golden period for visual development, during which the axial length of the eyeball and refractive status are being established. Research indicates that infants are typically born with hyperopia (approximately +2.00D to +4.00D), which gradually corrects itself to emmetropia as they grow. At this stage, vision problems primarily manifest as congenital strabismus, amblyopia, or refractive errors.

Applicable eyewear types：

Infant Amblyopia Corrective Glasses: Children diagnosed with amblyopia should wear corrective eyeglasses under a doctor's guidance, typically using single-vision lenses with prescriptions adjusted periodically.

Infant and Toddler Blue Light Blocking Glasses: For children under 3 years old who need to use electronic screens, blue light-filtering glasses with light transmittance meeting the national standard (GB 17946-2017) are recommended, with a filtration rate controlled between 30% and 50%.

Children's Sunglasses: Wear UV400-certified children's sunglasses during outdoor activities to protect developing retinas.

Scenario Suggestions

Learning Scenarios: Before age 3, reading should primarily be done with parents, and special glasses are not required. When children aged 3-6 begin reading picture books, lightweight resin lenses are recommended to avoid prolonged wear.

Outdoor Activities: Regardless of age, UV-protective sunglasses should be worn during outdoor activities. Opt for models with flexible frames and non-slip nose pads. Screen time for infants over 6 months should be strictly limited. If screen use is necessary, blue light blocking glasses may be worn.

2. Ages 3–6: Period of accelerated visual development

This stage represents the early onset of myopia and is a critical period for vision protection. Children's eyeball axial length increases rapidly, and their accommodative ability is strong; however, prolonged close-up visual tasks may trigger the initial development of myopia. Common vision issues among children aged 3 to 6 include anisometropia and insufficient hyperopic reserve.

Applicable eyewear types：

Children's Myopia Control Lenses: For children with myopia, we recommend lenses featuring peripheral defocus control technology, which can slow the progression of myopia by 30% to 40%.

Children's Blue Light Blocking Glasses: When using electronic screens, we should opt for blue light filter glasses with a filtration rate of 30% to 50%. However, it is important to avoid excessive blue light filtering, as this can disrupt circadian rhythms.

Children's Progressive Multifocal Glasses: For children with abnormal accommodative function, progressive lenses with a short-channel design may be used under medical supervision.

Children's Safety Goggles: For outdoor activities, choose protective eyewear with PC lenses and flexible frames that comply with the GB 24104-2009 standard.

Scenario Suggestions

Learning Scenarios: Maintain a 30cm distance while reading and writing. Take a 10-minute break every 40 minutes. Consider using defocus control lenses.

Electronic Device Use: Strictly limit usage time. If use is necessary, wear blue light blocking glasses, but avoid wearing them all day.

Outdoor Activities: Spend at least 2 hours daily outdoors. Wear UV400-protected sunglasses with flexible frames suited to children's facial contours.

Artistic Activities: For detailed tasks like painting or crafts, use anti-glare lenses to reduce reflection fatigue.

3. Ages 7–12: High-risk period for myopia

This stage represents the peak period for myopia progression and a critical window for vision protection. Children's eyeball axial length continues to increase while their accommodation function begins to decline. Prolonged study sessions and electronic device use lead to heightened eye strain. Common vision issues among children aged 7 to 12 include myopia, astigmatism, and visual function abnormalities.

Applicable eyewear types：

Myopia Control Lenses for Adolescents: We recommend lenses featuring peripheral defocus control technology, which can effectively slow the progression of myopia.

Photochromic lenses for children: Choose photochromic lenses for outdoor activities. They remain clear indoors and automatically darken outdoors to protect eyes.

Anti-Fatigue Lenses for Children: For extended study sessions, consider lenses with anti-fatigue design to optimize peripheral vision and reduce eye strain.

Children's Sports Protective Eyewear: Wear protective eyewear compliant with GB 24104-2009 standards during sports activities. Lenses must pass a 50g steel ball impact test.

Scenario Suggestions

Classroom Learning: Wear defocus control lenses and follow the 20-20-20 rule (look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).

Electronic Device Usage: When using electronic devices, wear blue light blocking glasses with a filter rate between 30% and 50%. Limit usage to no more than 20 minutes per session.

Outdoor Activities: Wear photochromic lenses or UV400-rated sunglasses, and engage in outdoor activities for at least 120 minutes daily.

Physical Education Class: Wear sports protective eyewear during ball games, opting for lightweight, impact-resistant PC lenses.

Reading: When using single-vision reading lenses, the font size should be ≥5 points, and the reading distance should be maintained at approximately 30 cm.

II. Adolescence (13–19 years): A Period of Both Stable Vision and Challenges

1. Ages 13–16:The progressive myopia stage

During this stage, myopia may continue to progress, though at a slower rate, with vision issues primarily characterized by nearsightedness. The axial length of adolescents' eyeballs approaches that of adults, but their accommodative ability remains strong. Prolonged study and use of electronic devices lead to increased eye strain. The primary focus of vision protection at this stage remains controlling the progression of myopia.

Applicable eyewear types

Youth Myopia Control Lenses: We recommend lenses featuring peripheral defocus control technology, which can effectively slow the progression of myopia.

Anti-blue light glasses for teens: When using electronic screens, you may choose anti-blue light glasses with a 30%-50% filtering rate. However, be mindful to avoid excessive filtering that could disrupt your circadian rhythm.

Progressive Multifocal Eyeglasses for Adolescents: For adolescents with abnormal regulatory functions, progressive lenses may be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Sports Safety Glasses for Teens: Wear protective eyewear compliant with GB 24104-2009 standards during exercise, the lenses must pass impact resistance testing.

Scenario Suggestions:

Learning Scenarios: Wear defocus control lenses during prolonged close-up study sessions, comply with the 20-20-20 rule.

Use of Electronic Devices: Wear blue light blocking glasses when using electronic devices, and limit usage to no more than 30 minutes per session.

Outdoor Activities: Wear photochromic lenses or UV400-rated sunglasses and engage in outdoor activities for at least two hours daily.

Physical Education Class: Wear sports protective eyewear when participating in ball sports, opting for lightweight, impact-resistant PC lenses.

Reading: When using single-vision reading lenses, the font size should be ≥5 points, and the reading distance should be maintained at approximately 30 cm.

2. Ages 17–19: Period of relatively stable vision

At this stage, the degree of myopia may stabilize, but the accommodative function continues to decline. The axial length of the eye in adolescents is largely established, but they experience significant eye strain due to high levels of visual exertion. At this stage, the focus of vision protection shifts to alleviating eye strain and adapting to diverse scenarios.

Applicable Glasses Types

Single-vision lenses for teenagers: If your myopia remains stable, you may opt for lightweight high-index single-vision lenses (such as 1.67 or 1.74 index).

Anti-glare lenses for teens: When studying or engaging in outdoor activities under bright light for extended periods, consider lenses with anti-glare coating.

Polarized lenses for teens: When driving or engaging in outdoor activities, choose polarized lenses to reduce glare fatigue.

Sports Safety Glasses for Teens: Wear protective eyewear compliant with GB 24104-2009 during physical activity; lenses must pass impact resistance testing.

Scenario Suggestions

Study Scenario: Wear lightweight high-index lenses, take a 15-minute break every 60 minutes, and look into the distance to relax your eyes.

Electronic Device Usage: Take breaks when using electronic devices. Consider using blue light blocking glasses, but there is no need to wear them all day.

Outdoor Activities: Wear UV400-protected sunglasses; photochromic lenses are available to adapt to changing light conditions.

Driving: Teenagers aged 18 and above may opt for polarized lenses to reduce glare and reflection interference while driving.

Reading: When using single-vision reading lenses, the font size should be ≥5 points, and the reading distance should be maintained at approximately 30 cm.