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The Top 9 Eye Glasses for Teenagers

Written by Andrew Le, MD

UpdatedSeptember 12, 2024

A 2016 US study discovered over 51.9% of girls and more than 38.8% of boys between ages 14-17 required some form of vision correction through glasses or contacts. This underscores the substantial need for eyewear among teenagers.

Finding eyeglasses for teens that fit correctly while reflecting youthful styles is challenging. Vision needs and facial growth for teens change rapidly. Also, the quality of eyeglasses for teens that balance durability, fit, and contemporary teen aesthetics are challenging to find and often budget-busting.

In this article, you'll find a streamlined guide to choosing fashionable yet comfortable eyeglasses for teens. It covers a diverse selection of frames from trendy to timeless styles so teens can easily find options that match their taste.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Eyeglasses for Teens

When selecting eyeglasses for teenagers, several key factors, such as durability, comfort, style, and lens technology, must be considered to ensure a perfect blend of functionality and fashion. Here is a breakdown of what to look for in each category:

Durability

Durability is crucial for teenagers, who often lead active lifestyles. Various materials offer different levels of strength and resistance to damage. For instance, carbon fiber frames are known for their high performance, being both lightweight and durable, making them ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

TR-90, a highly resilient thermoplastic material, is commonly used in sports and children's eyewear due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to impact. This material is also lightweight, which adds to its comfort for daily wear. Wood frames present another durable option. They are strong, resistant to wear, and eco-friendly, as they are often made from renewable resources. However, they may require more maintenance and care due to sensitivity to water and temperature extremes.

Comfort

Comfort is paramount, especially for teenagers who might wear their glasses for extended periods. Lightweight materials like TR-90 are ideal as they reduce the weight on the nose and ears, ensuring comfort throughout the day.

Polycarbonate frames, known for their superior impact resistance, are also lightweight and suitable for sports eyewear and safety glasses. They're a good choice for individuals with high prescriptions, as they are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses.

Style

When it comes to style, teenagers often look for trendy options. Frame materials like cellulose acetate, commonly called zyl, are highly regarded in the eyewear industry for their unique properties that cater to style and functionality, making them a popular choice for teenage eyewear.

This premium plastic is made from natural sources like wood pulp or cotton, giving it an eco-friendly edge. It's mainly known for its ability to take on a wide range of vibrant colors and intricate patterns, allowing for a diverse array of stylish designs. This material is fashionable but also durable and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Lens Technology

Regarding lens technology, options like anti-glare, scratch-resistant, and blue light filtering are essential. Polycarbonate lenses are popular due to their built-in UV protection and thinner, lighter design, which benefits those with high prescriptions. They are also ideal for high-impact activities due to their resistance to shattering.

Polycarbonate lenses are an excellent choice for those seeking durability, UV protection, and impact resistance in their eyewear. They are especially suitable for children, athletes, or anyone engaged in activities where eye safety is a concern. An anti-reflective coating can enhance their functionality by improving visual clarity and reducing glare.

Top 9 Best Eyeglasses for Teens

Selecting ideal eyeglasses for teens requires striking the right equilibrium between attractive appearance and practical performance. We have assembled a list of recommended eyewear styles for teenagers to ensure a positive experience that supports their vision needs and tastes.

Our evaluation includes:

  • Fit and comfort
  • Price
  • Frame style
  • Popularity

If you're looking for the best eyeglasses for teens, check out our recommendations below!

Disclaimer:

The details, information, and prices provided in this article are accurate as of the time of writing. These details may vary over time due to product updates, market changes, or other external influences. We recommend verifying any crucial information or prices with relevant sources, as fluctuations and updates are possible.

Kate Spade BENDALL

The Kate Spade BENDALL frame is the ideal choice for teenage eyewear. Its stylish Dark-Havana design and durable polycarbonate lenses offer both fashion and functionality. With features like blue-light protection, anti-reflective coating, anti-scratch coating, and 100% UV protection, it prioritizes eye health in today's digital world. Plus, free shipping and a 30-day risk-free return policy ensure a hassle-free experience. For teenage style and vision needs, the BENDALL frame stands out as the best option.

Pros

  • Stylish design with a sleek Dark-Havana frame color.
  • Prescription lens type, Single Vision for Distance, ensures optimal clarity.
  • Clear lenses made from polycarbonate offer durability and reliability.
  • Premium blue-light protection, anti-reflective coating, anti-scratch coating, and 100% UV protection for added eye care.
  • Free shipping and a 30-day risk-free return policy ensure a hassle-free shopping experience.

Cons

  • Higher price point compared to some other options in the market.
  • Limited lens options available, may not cater to all prescription needs.
See prices for Cateye Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses on Amazon

Cat-eye Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses feature a stylish oversized cat-eye design available in several colors including black, purple, pink, and champagne, ensuring your teenager finds a pair that suits their style. They are equipped with blue light blocking and UV lenses, which are beneficial for reducing eye strain and discomfort during prolonged periods of reading, gaming, or computer work.

The frames are made of high-quality, eco-friendly acetate, promising both durability and a clear, bright appearance. The package comes with numerous accessories including a microfiber cleaning cloth, a glasses box, a double-headed screwdriver for frame adjustments, and a convenient glasses strap to prevent loss.

Pros

  • Fashionable Design:. The Cateye glasses come in a trendy, oversized cat-eye design, appealing to those looking for a blend of fashion and function. Available in four popular colors: black, purple, pink, and champagne, ensuring there's a style for everyone.
  • Blue Light Blocking: These glasses are equipped with lenses that block blue light and UV rays, reducing eye strain, glare, and discomfort from long hours in front of screens. Ideal for students, teachers, and professionals who spend extended periods on computers.
  • High-Quality Material: The frames are crafted from eco-friendly acetate, ensuring durability and clarity. The material is environmentally friendly, adding to the appeal for environmentally conscious users.
  • Comprehensive Accessories Package: Each pair comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth, a sturdy glasses box, a dual-head screwdriver for easy adjustments, and a glasses strap to prevent loss during activities.

Cons

  • Limited Frame Sizes:. The oversized frame might not fit all face shapes comfortably, potentially limiting its appeal to individuals with smaller features.
  • Color Variability: While offering multiple color options is a pro, the actual shades might vary from the online images, which could disappoint some buyers.
  • Blue Light Blocking Efficiency: While the glasses claim to block blue light, the effectiveness can vary, and some users might not notice a significant reduction in eye strain or glare.
  • Price Point: Depending on the budget of the buyer, these glasses might be on the higher end, especially for teenagers or those looking for a more affordable option.
Privé Revaux Wanderlust

Privé Revaux Wanderlust 55mm Blue Light Blocking Glasses are tough and light, making them comfortable for all-day wear. The lenses are clear and treated to block blue light, safeguarding your eyes from the strain caused by screens. Although the frames are only available in black, their metal material is stylish and durable.

They also come with a case, cleaning cloth, and an authenticity card. Plus, they're free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, ensuring they're safe for your health. However, they have standard hinges, which might not be as comfortable for everyone, and being imported, they might not align with preferences for local products.

Pros

  • Durable and Lightweight:. These glasses are built to last while being easy on the face, making them ideal for prolonged wear.
  • Blue Light Blocking: The polycarbonate lenses come with blue light blocking treatment, a must-have feature to reduce eye strain from digital screens.
  • Stylish Design: The sleek black metal frame is versatile and fashionable for any teenage style.
  • Safety and Health Conscious: The glasses are BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free and have been tested for harmful substances, ensuring a safe product for daily use.
  • Accessories Included: Comes with a collapsible case, cleaning cloth, and authenticity card, providing everything needed to maintain the glasses.
  • Lens Clarity: Clear lenses ensure that there is no color distortion, which is crucial for accurate vision.

Cons

  • Limited Color Options:. Only available in a black frame, which might not suit everyone's personal style preferences.
  • Standard Hinges: While reliable, the standard hinges may not provide the same level of comfort or durability as more advanced hinge designs.
  • Imported: Depending on your viewpoint, the fact that they are imported could be a downside in terms of support for local businesses or concerns about carbon footprint from shipping.
See prices for Frosted Green Round Reading Glasses on Amazon

Frosted Green Small Retro Round Reading Glasses Men & Women are made from high-quality polycarbonate, ensuring durability, and come with premium acrylic lenses to prevent blurred vision and eyestrain. They're comfortable and lightweight, designed to fit all face shapes thanks to their flexible spring hinges.

The styles are trendy, with a retro wooden tone that adds charm, and the lenses are replaceable to match personal prescriptions. However, the site doesn't detail the nose pads' material, which could be a concern for sensitive skin, and the glasses seem tailored more towards a specific retro look which might not suit everyone's taste..

Pros

  • Comfortable & Lightweight:. The nose pads on these glasses ensure all-day comfort, which is a significant plus. They are designed to be lightweight, making the glasses feel like they're barely there. This feature is especially beneficial for teenagers who might wear glasses for extended periods.
  • Non-Slip Design: The nose pads are non-slip, ensuring that the glasses stay in place throughout the day. This is crucial for active teenagers who are always on the move.
  • Universal Fit for All Face Shapes: The flexible spring hinges allow for a customizable fit, which means these nose pads can accommodate all head and face shapes. This adaptability ensures that teenagers don't feel any pressure behind their ears, enhancing comfort.

Cons

  • Specific to Certain Models:. While these nose pads provide excellent comfort and stability, they are specific to the round retro reading glasses and might not be compatible with other frames or styles that teenagers might prefer.
  • Limited Information on Material: The review does not specify the material of the nose pads, which is crucial for users with sensitive skin or allergies.
  • Durability Concerns: There is no explicit mention of the durability of the nose pads themselves, which is an essential factor considering the active lifestyle of many teenagers.
See prices for Oakley Men's Oo9460 Portal X in Amazon

Oakley Men's Oo9460 Portal X Rectangular Sunglasses stand out. These are made in the USA and offer 100% UV protection, which is crucial for protecting young eyes from harmful rays. The Plutonite lenses not only shield from UV light but also enhance clarity and protect against impact. They're particularly suitable for sports like golf or tennis, thanks to the PRIZM Dark Gold Sport Lenses that improve color and contrast, helping with accurate distance gauging.

However, keep in mind these glasses come with patented High Definition Optics for unmatched visual clarity at all angles. They also include a case and cleaning cloth, making maintenance easier for busy teens. If you're interested, you can explore more from Oakley by visiting their brand shop.

Pros

  • Assembled in the USA:. This factor ensures a certain level of quality and reliability, supporting local manufacturing.
  • 100% UV Protection: The Plutonite lenses block all UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light, providing excellent protection for the eyes against ultraviolet radiation, which is crucial for anyone, especially teenagers who spend a lot of time outdoors.
  • Prizm Dark Gold Sport Lenses: These lenses are specifically designed for sports like golf or tennis, making them ideal for active teenagers. They help in spotting transitions in various lighting conditions, which is beneficial for both sports performance and general outdoor activities.
  • High Definition Optics (HDO): Oakley's patented technology ensures superior optical clarity and sharp vision from every angle, which is important for both sports and everyday activities.

Cons

  • Specific Use Lenses:. The Prizm Dark Gold Sport Lenses are tailored for specific conditions, which might not be suitable for all environments or for teenagers looking for more versatile eyewear.
  • Price: While not explicitly stated, Oakley sunglasses, especially those with specialized lenses and technologies, can be on the higher end of the price spectrum, which may not be ideal for all budgets.
  • Design: The rectangular design may not appeal to all teenagers, who might prefer a different style or a more trendy design.
  • Limited Color Options: Depending on the model, there might be limited color options available, which can be a downside for teenagers looking for more personalization in their eyewear.
See prices for NULOOQ Small Aviator Polarized Sunglasses on Amazon

NULOOQ Small Aviator Polarized Sunglasses offer strong UV protection with their polarized, UV400 lenses, and are built to last with durable, impact-resistant polycarbonate material. The frames are made of high-quality metal, ensuring they hold up over time. They're light and come with dimensions suited for smaller facial structures, making them comfortable for daily wear.

However, be aware that they may not fit well if you have a larger face, and the aviator style might not be everyone's cup of tea. The customer service is there to help if you have any problems, but there's no detailed information on response times or service efficiency.

Pros

  • Polarized Lenses:. These sunglasses come with polarized lenses that offer 100% UV400 protection, which is crucial for protecting young eyes from harmful UV rays and reducing glare.
  • Durable Polycarbonate Lenses: Made from a material that is not only impact-resistant but also scratch-resistant, these lenses are designed to endure the rough and tumble of everyday use while providing clear visibility.
  • High-Quality Materials: The frames are crafted from premium metal, ensuring durability and longevity. Coupled with colorful flash mirrored reflective UV400 lenses and spring hinges, these sunglasses promise both style and a comfortable fit.
  • Product Specifications: The dimensions are specifically tailored for smaller faces, with a lens width of 52mm and height of 45mm, ensuring a better fit for teenagers and small-faced adults.

Cons

  • Limited Size Options:. While the product is tailored for smaller faces, teenagers with larger face sizes may find these sunglasses less accommodating or comfortable.
  • Style Specificity: The vintage aviator design might not appeal to all teenagers, especially those who prefer more contemporary or minimalist designs.
  • Availability of Service: While the company offers worry-free service, the effectiveness and speed of customer service have not been specified, which could be a concern in case of defects or issues.
Oakley Plank 2.0

Oakley Plank 2.0 could be a solid choice. These glasses provide a sporty look and are made from lightweight, durable plastic, ideal for daily wear. They're designed with your comfort in mind, featuring wire-core temples that ensure the glasses stay put behind your ears.

However, keep in mind that the sporty design might not be everyone's cup of tea, and the price point is a bit higher than some other options. If durability and a modern look are what you seek, these could be the right fit for you.

Pros

  • Bold, Sporty Look: The eyeglasses feature a distinctive, sporty design that stands out, suitable for teenagers looking for a statement piece.
  • Lightweight: Made of lightweight plastic, they are comfortable for all-day wear without causing discomfort.
  • Durability: The rectangular rims are engineered to absorb impact, making them durable and ideal for constant wear, perfect for active teenagers.
  • Stability: Wire-core temples are designed to curve inward, ensuring the glasses stay stable and secure behind the ears.
  • High-Quality Material: Constructed with Oakley's O Matter, the glasses promise quality and longevity.

Cons

  • Plastic Construction: While lightweight and durable, some may prefer metal frames for a more classic or refined look.
  • Style Specific: The bold and sporty design might not appeal to all teenagers, particularly those looking for a more understated or traditional style.
  • Price: As with many Oakley products, the price may be higher compared to other brands, which could be a deciding factor for budget-conscious shoppers.
See prices for ZENNI Black Rectangle Glasses on Amazon

ZENNI Black Rectangle Blue Light Glasses have blue light blocking technology to reduce eye strain from screens and UV400 protection for sunlight, which is practical for both indoor and outdoor use. They are very light, only 11g, so they're comfortable to wear all day.

The detailed dimensions ensure a good fit for most face shapes, but if your face is particularly unique, you might need to check if they fit well. They are rectangle-shaped and black, which might not suit everyone's taste, so consider this before buying.

Pros

  • Advanced Blue Light Blocking. : The glasses come with state-of-the-art blue light filtering technology, which is great for reducing eye strain and glare during extended periods of computer or gaming use.
  • UV400 Protection: They provide both fashion and function with their UV400 protection, making them suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
  • Ultra-Lightweight Design: Weighing just 11g, these glasses offer ultimate comfort without compromising on style, making them ideal for all-day wear.
  • Detailed Measurements for Tailored Fit: The precision in measurements with a frame width of 124 mm, bridge of 18 mm, lens width of 52 mm, and lens height of 35 mm, alongside a 146 mm temple length, ensures a perfect fit for various face shapes and sizes, promoting enhanced comfort for both men and women.

Cons

  • Limited Style Options. : Being specifically rectangle-shaped and black, they might not cater to everyone's style preferences or suit all face shapes equally.
  • Potential Fit Issues for Unique Face Shapes: Despite the detailed measurements, individuals with particularly unique face shapes might still face challenges in achieving an optimal fit.
  • Price Consideration: As the review does not mention price, it's unclear whether these glasses provide value for money, which could be a deciding factor for some consumers.
See prices for Tusocci Fashionable Round Cat-Eye Glasses on Amazon

Tusocci Fashionable Round Cat-Eye Blue Light Blocking Glasses on this website, you'll appreciate that they're designed to shield your eyes from blue light, perfect if you're often in front of screens, helping to lessen eye strain and promote better sleep. They're crafted from durable TR90 material, but note they come as non-prescription, so you might need to bear additional costs for lens replacement if required.

The frames are built for comfort, adapting to different face shapes with their spring hinge design. Each purchase includes useful accessories like a case and cleaning cloth, ensuring you get good value. Plus, there's supportive after-sales service for any issues. But remember, style choices are restricted, and they might not suit everyone perfectly.

Pros

  • Blue Light Blocking and Anti-Radiation Lenses: These glasses are equipped with lenses designed to block blue light and radiation, making them ideal for teenagers who spend long hours in front of computers, mobile phones, and video games.
  • TR90 Material Frame: The frames are made of TR90 material, known for its toughness, wear resistance, and stress resistance. This makes the glasses durable and unlikely to deform or get damaged easily, ensuring a long lifespan.
  • Comfortable Fit: The glasses feature spring hinge metal ferrule feet, allowing the temples to bend further without breaking, thus extending the life of the frames. The spring hinges can extend to 15°, which minimizes pressure on the head and makes the glasses suitable for all face shapes, providing a comfortable fit.
  • Comprehensive Package: The package includes not only the glasses but also a boutique case, a super fiber cleaning cloth, an exquisite outer packing box, a blue light test card, and a blue light emitter, offering great value and making it an excellent gift option.

Cons

  • Non-Prescription Lenses as Default:. The glasses come with non-prescription blue light blocking lenses, which means teenagers who require prescription lenses will need to replace them at an additional cost.
  • Limited Style Options:. While the round cat-eye design is fashionable, it may not suit everyone's taste or face shape, limiting the options for some users.
  • Potential Sizing Issues:. Despite the adjustable features, there could still be sizing issues for some individuals, as one size does not fit all.
  • Cost Consideration:. Depending on the budget, the cost for the additional prescription lens replacement might be a factor to consider for some customers.

Final Thoughts

After reviewing various factors like style, affordability, comfort, and durability, the top 2 eyeglasses for teenagers are Kate Spade BENDALL and Oakley's Athleisure Eyewear.

The Kate Spade BENDALL frame is perfect for teenagers. With its stylish design, durable polycarbonate lenses, and essential eye protection features like blue-light protection and UV coating, it's both fashionable and functional. Plus, free shipping and a 30-day risk-free return policy make it a hassle-free choice.

Oakley's Athleisure Eyewear is a top pick for active teens. Equipped with high-tech photochromic lenses that automatically adjust to different lighting conditions, these glasses are perfectly suited for dynamic lifestyles. The sporty yet sleek styling also appeals to fashion-focused teens. Designed for durability and comfort, they make an excellent investment.

In summary, Kate Spade BENDALL and Oakley's Athleisure Eyewear blend style, performance, and sensible pricing gracefully. Their capacity to complement teens' fashion tastes and lifestyles makes them well-rounded top choices.

FAQs On Eye Glasses For Teens

What eyeglasses for teens' frame sizes fit best?

Look for petite teen sizing around 40-47 mm lens width or adjustable “eyeglasses for teens” as faces keep maturing.

Do lens choices in eyeglasses for teens matter?

Yes, impact-resistant lenses protect teen eyes. Light-reactive lenses in “eyeglasses for teens” adapt to changing environments.

How often do eyeglasses for teens need replacement?

Annual eye exams are encouraged to catch developing vision issues. Glasses may last two years before needing lens or style updates.