⏱️ 02:20 READING TIME
Summer is the season that invites us to change pace. Colors become brighter, days get longer, and the desire for lightness, freedom, and movement grows. Our habits change too, and often so do our visual needs.
For those who need vision correction, this is the time to ask: is it better to rely on contact lenses, or is it wiser (and more enjoyable) to rediscover the charm and practicality of glasses?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer: the choice depends on who you are, what you do, and how you live your summer. Let’s take a moment to think about the advantages, limits, and possible combinations of these two options.
Contact lenses: invisible, light, perfect for active lifestyles
For those who love feeling free, practical, and dynamic, contact lenses are an ideal solution – especially on summer days when the sun invites us to head outdoors.
Imagine walking by the sea, playing sports, or wearing your favorite non-prescription sunglasses. Lenses let you do all this without constraints or bulk.
Strengths:
• They provide wide, natural vision with no frames around your gaze.
• Perfect for sports activities, cycling, or mountain hiking.
• Allow you to wear any type of trendy sunglasses.
Things to consider:
• Dry eyes: sun, wind, and air conditioning increase dryness, making lenses less comfortable.
• Management: require constant hygiene and care, which can be tricky when traveling.
• Caution: risk of infection increases at the beach or pool.
• No UV protection: always pair with sunglasses.
• No personality: they don’t enhance your face or tell your story.
💡 Tip: If you love practicality, consider daily lenses. They’re perfect for summer: wear them, toss them, no solutions or cases needed. Plus, they’re great to keep on hand as a “Plan B.”
Glasses: not just a tool, but a style accessory
Glasses have a charm of their own. They are not just a means to see better: they are part of who we are, an expression of our personality. In summer, they can also be allies in terms of protection and comfort.
Think about the annoyance of sand carried by the wind, the glare on a sunny terrace, or the sudden chill when entering an air-conditioned place: glasses protect and accompany you in all these situations.
Why choose them in summer:
• Protect from intense light, especially with photochromic or blue light filter lenses.
• Offer a physical barrier against dust, wind, and allergens.
• Require no complicated maintenance or direct eye handling.
• They are increasingly beautiful, lightweight, colorful — a design accessory that enhances every face.
Some useful tips:
• Avoid heavy materials if you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors.
• Choose anti-reflective or photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight.
• Remember to protect your eyes with prescription sunglasses too: style and safety can go perfectly hand in hand.
Switching is the key; freedom, beauty, and functionality
The best choice is often not between glasses or lenses, but between glasses and lenses. Alternating is a smart strategy that lets you enjoy the advantages of both.
Glasses for working or relaxing during a cool terrace aperitif, lenses for trekking, cycling, exploring. The important thing is to listen to your lifestyle — and take care of your eyes mindfully.
Summer essentials: what to pack in your travel bag
✔️ A pair of lightweight prescription glasses, maybe in colorful acetate, comfortable and high-quality
🕶️ A good pair of sunglasses (even prescription) with UV filter
👁️ A kit with a few daily contact lenses, ideal for active days
🧴 A moisturizing solution or refreshing eye drops if you wear lenses
🧼 A microfiber cloth and a hard case to protect your glasses
In conclusion: summer is also vision
Summer is for seeing the world with fresh eyes. That’s why it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what makes you feel good — not just see better.
Whether you choose glasses or contact lenses, the most important thing is feeling good in your eyes.
And if you want to do it in style, we’re here to accompany you.
⏱️ 02:40 READING TIME
An emotional guide for parents who really want to listen.
Adolescence is a delicate time. It’s the season when the body changes, the mind drifts away from childhood, and other people’s gaze suddenly becomes a mirror in which we search for ourselves. Amid all this, starting to wear glasses may seem like a small detail. But for a boy or girl, it’s anything but.
Some outright refuse them, others hide them in their backpack as soon as they leave school, and some wear them only when no one’s watching. Often, behind these actions lies something deeper: the fear of being seen differently, of losing beauty, spontaneity, acceptance.
It’s understandable. Wearing glasses, at a time when identity is still a mosaic under construction, can feel like an imposed frame.
But with gentleness and attentive listening, this change can become an opportunity for growth, style, and self-awareness.
Discomfort exists. And it deserves respect.
Many parents, out of affection or protective instinct, tend to downplay things: “It’s nothing,” “You look great with glasses,” “Everyone wears them nowadays.”
Sincere words, of course. But often, they don’t help.
Because what a teenager feels has nothing to do with logic. It’s gut, skin, eyes avoiding the mirror. And it needs to be acknowledged before it can be corrected.
Instead of rushing to reassure, try listening:
“What don’t you like? When do you feel most uncomfortable? Want to tell me about it?”
Sometimes, just opening a space for listening can change the direction of rejection.
The mirror doesn’t lie, but it can smile.
One of the key moments is choosing the frame.
Something magical can happen here, if handled the right way.
Walking into a shop with your child and letting them try, mess up, laugh, and change their mind is a little rite of passage. It’s like saying: “This is your choice. I’m here to support you.”
A pair of glasses can make you feel more mature, more original, more authentic. Or simply, it can help you recognize yourself. And when a teenager looks in the mirror and finally sees themselves, with those glasses on their face that seem to say “this is me”, everything changes.
Words aren’t needed. Just the smile that lights up in their eyes.
Alternatives exist (and don’t diminish the value of glasses)
At certain times — a trip, a party, a sports event, an afternoon with friends — a teenager might want to set aside their glasses, not to hide, but to feel different, free, light.
Daily contact lenses are a discreet, practical, and above all respectful solution. They offer the possibility of choice. Of saying: yes today, not today.
Not as a permanent replacement, but as an ally on days when change is desired.
For many teens, simply having an option is already a relief.
Not just beauty: glasses and style.
In the teenage world, glasses can become a signature.
A colorful frame tells a story of creativity. A minimalist model speaks of elegance. A square shape can convey strength, a round one lightness.
Helping your child find “their” glasses is like helping them find their voice in the chorus of their generation.
And there’s nothing more powerful for a teen than feeling aligned with what they feel inside and what they show on the outside.
Small gestures that change everything.
It might seem trivial, but there are things parents can do to make this phase easier. No need for long speeches. Just consistent gestures, attentive glances, and shared choices.
📍 Let them choose glasses like you’d choose shoes for a special event.
📍 Take photos with different frames, at home, calmly, away from pressure.
📍 Talk about glasses as style, not as necessity.
📍 Show them famous people, actors, athletes who wear glasses with pride.
📍 If it’s a girl starting to wear makeup, talk together about make-up for glasses wearers—not to hide the accessory but to enhance it.
📍 Let them experience glasses as something meaningful, not something imposed.
See better, feel better.
In the end, glasses help you see better. But if handled with care and heart, they can also help you feel better.
To feel seen, understood, supported.
To feel more confident reading, playing, going out, smiling.
To feel up to facing a world that looks at them—sometimes with judgment, often with admiration.
Because a teenager’s true strength… is recognizing themselves.
And yes, there will be days when those glasses get left on the nightstand. Others when they’re worn with pride. Still others when they’ll ask for contacts to feel free.
It’s all part of the journey.
We can’t expect our kids to accept everything right away.
We just have to be there—patient, present, ready to remind them that it’s not a pair of glasses that defines them.
It’s how they learn to look inside themselves.
⏱️ 05:00 Reading Time
Why are kids’ glasses frames just as important as the lenses??
When it comes to children’s glasses, most of the focus is usually on the lenses, as if the frame were just a minor detail. In reality, choosing the right frame is just as crucial as selecting the lenses—it’s not something to overlook. An ill-fitting pair of glasses can impact comfort, safety, and even how a child perceives themselves. Let’s take a look at why a quality frame matters so much.
1. Comfort & Fit: A well-fitting frame changes everything
Kids wear their glasses for long hours, whether playing, studying, or doing sports. A poorly fitted frame might slip down their nose, pinch behind the ears, or feel uncomfortable, making them more likely to take their glasses off. A good ergonomic design ensures stability and lightness, preventing irritation and pressure marks on their face.
2. Durability & Safety: Built for little adventurers
Unlike adults, kids don’t always handle their glasses with care. Their frames need to be flexible, impact-resistant, and free of small, breakable parts that could be hazardous. Materials like cellulose acetate and stainless steel are great options—they ensure durability while keeping kids from constantly replacing their glasses due to accidental damage. Acetate frames come in a variety of fun colors and shapes, offering both style and comfort, while stainless steel is lightweight, hypoallergenic, and perfect for active children.
3. Posture & Vision: A Bad frame can cause more than just discomfort
An ill-fitting frame doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it can also affect posture and vision. If glasses keep slipping, a child might tilt their head in awkward ways to compensate, leading to neck and back strain. Plus, if the lenses aren’t perfectly aligned with their eyes, it can cause eye fatigue and headaches. A well-designed frame ensures the lenses stay in the right position, supporting good posture and clear vision.
4. Style & Confidence: Glasses That kids actually like to wear
Wearing glasses can be a big change for a child, especially if it’s their first time. A stylish, colorful frame that reflects their personality can make all the difference in how they feel about wearing them. If a child loves their glasses, they’ll wear them without complaints!
Why settle for limited choices at the optical store?
Many opticians carry a small selection of children’s frames, which can lead to choosing a model just because there aren’t better options available. Here’s why it’s worth exploring a wider range before making a decision:
• Better Fit, More Comfort: Every child has a unique face shape. Having more options helps find the perfect match without compromise.
• Advanced Materials & Design: Not all frames are created equal. Some brands specialize in innovative materials and child-friendly designs for superior durability and comfort.
• Personal Style Matters: Glasses are more than just functional—they’re an accessory! With a wider selection, kids can choose a frame that truly represents them and makes them feel special.
Conclusion
A child’s glasses frame is not just a small detail—it’s essential for their comfort, safety, and confidence. Opting for a broad selection instead of settling for the first available option means investing in their visual well-being and self-esteem. Never settle for less when it comes to your child’s health and happiness!
⏱️ 04:30 READING TIME
In today’s digital era, devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones have become an integral part of daily life – not just for adults but for children as well. These tools are now essential for both education and leisure, but they also prompt questions about their potential impact on children’s vision and overall health. What are the main risks associated with prolonged screen exposure? Can we also find positive aspects in this rapidly evolving scenario?
The main risks to children’s visual health
Prolonged screen use can lead to “digital eye strain,” a condition marked by symptoms such as dry eyes, itching, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing. This happens when the eyes are constantly fixated on a nearby screen, overloading the eye muscles.
Moreover, myopia (nearsightedness) is on the rise among children. Hours spent focusing on digital screens, coupled with limited exposure to natural light, appear to accelerate the development of this condition. Research suggests that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia compared to those who stay indoors glued to screens.
Effects of screen time on overall health
The impact of digital devices isn’t limited to vision alone. Posture, sleep, and mental well-being can also suffer:
- Posture: Extended screen use often leads to slouching, which can result in neck, back, and shoulder pain.
- Sleep: Blue light emitted by devices can disrupt sleep patterns, alter circadian rhythms, and make falling asleep difficult, particularly when screens are used in the evening.
- Emotional well-being: Excessive digital stimulation can cause anxiety and restlessness, especially when screen time isn’t regulated.
How to protect children’s vision: strategies and practical tips
Prevention is the key, and regular eye check-ups are strongly recommended. Taking children for annual eye exams helps monitor their visual health. Fortunately, there are simple and effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with excessive screen use:
- The “20-20-20” Rule:
To alleviate eye strain, encourage children to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes of screen use, they should look away from the screen and focus on an object about 6 meters (20 feet) away for at least 20 seconds. This allows the eyes and their muscles to relax. - Limit screen time:
Pediatricians recommend setting daily screen time limits, especially for younger children. For school-aged kids, taking frequent breaks can reduce eye strain and slow the progression of myopia. - Encourage outdoor activities:
Natural light and open spaces promote healthy visual development. Spending more time outdoors has protective effects against myopia and provides much-needed rest for eyes strained by digital devices. - Use blue light filter glasses:
Glasses with blue light-blocking lenses can help reduce the impact of blue light on children’s eyes, especially for those who spend many hours on screens. However, these glasses should not replace regular breaks. - Offer alternatives to digital devices:
Boredom is essential for children’s creative development, but in the digital age, moments of mental pause often disappear. Kids tend to turn to screens for relaxation or lack of ideas, rather than productivity. Allowing moments of boredom is crucial for time management, creativity, and independent problem-solving.
Simple household activities can also keep children away from screens and help protect their vision. Tasks like making the bed, tidying toys, or helping with chores foster a sense of responsibility and strengthen their connection with the real world – rather than the virtual world of social media.
The benefits of technology: harnessing it in a healthy way
While technology presents risks, it also offers educational and social benefits when used mindfully. Digital devices can spark curiosity and creativity, making learning more interactive and engaging. Educational games, for instance, help develop cognitive and problem-solving skills.
To maximize the advantages of technology, it’s important to find a balance. Screen time should be complemented with activities that support physical and visual development.
Teaching children responsible technology use
Helping children understand the importance of taking care of their eyes is essential for navigating the digital age healthily. Involving them in managing screen time and establishing breaks and limits together fosters a balanced relationship with technology. These habits of self-awareness and eye care will serve them well into adulthood.
Conclusion
The digital era poses significant challenges to children’s visual health, but it also offers opportunities to teach them responsible technology use for a future that will increasingly rely on it. With small adjustments and strategies, we can reduce risks and turn digital innovation into a tool for growth. It’s our responsibility to guide children on this journey, protecting their eyes and overall well-being while ensuring that technology serves them – not the other way around.
⏱️ 03:05 READING TIME
Photokeratitis is an eye condition caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, similar to those that cause tanning. This condition can affect children who love spending time outdoors and playing in the sun. Photokeratitis can be acute, appearing suddenly after significant sun exposure, or chronic, developing slowly due to frequent exposure. Although temporary and reversible, it can be very painful and bothersome. It’s crucial for parents to understand the causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and treatments to protect their children’s eyes.
Mechanism and Causes
Photokeratitis occurs when the cornea, the transparent part at the front of the eyes, is damaged by UV rays. These rays can come from the sun or special lamps like those used for tanning. If children spend too much time in the sun without protecting their eyes, UV rays can harm the cornea, just as the sun can burn the skin.
Symptoms
Symptoms of photokeratitis appear a few hours after sun exposure. The child may complain of severe eye pain, a sensation of having sand in the eyes, excessive tearing, red and sensitive eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. These symptoms can last from a few hours to a couple of days. Fortunately, photokeratitis is temporary and reversible, and with proper treatment, the symptoms disappear without causing permanent damage.
Chronic Photokeratitis
Chronic photokeratitis develops slowly when children’s eyes are frequently exposed to the sun without protection. This can happen to those who often play outdoors or engage in sports like skiing or swimming. Symptoms include constant irritation, dryness or a sandy sensation in the eyes, worsening vision, and increased light sensitivity. While chronic photokeratitis can be more challenging to treat, it is also temporary and reversible if the proper precautions and treatments are followed.
Prevention
Preventing photokeratitis is easy with some simple rules. It’s important to teach children to wear sunglasses that block UV rays whenever they go out in the sun. Using wide-brimmed hats to shade the eyes is another good habit. Limiting time spent in the sun during the hottest hours, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, can make a big difference. Additionally, wearing protective goggles during activities like skiing, swimming, or using UV lamps is crucial.
Treatment
If we suspect our child may have photokeratitis, it’s important to take them to the doctor. However, there are some things we can do immediately to make them feel better:
- Rest the child’s eyes, avoiding intense light.
- Apply cold compresses to closed eyes to reduce pain.
- Use artificial tears to keep the eyes hydrated.
- Administer over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain.
The doctor may also prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infections and reduce inflammation. Remember, photokeratitis is temporary and reversible, so following these tips can help resolve symptoms quickly and without long-term consequences.
Conclusion
Photokeratitis can be easily prevented with the right precautions. It’s important for parents to be aware of the risks associated with UV rays and protect their children’s eyes. Taking care of them today means avoiding problems in the future and ensuring good visual health. Always remember to protect your children’s eyes, especially during long sun exposures!
