Children's eyeglasses are a growing and successful business. Thus, there are many more options out there for kids today than ever before.

One of the main trends that is changing the children's eyewear arena is the fact that many kids want eyeglass frames that look just like their parents' (or older brother's and sister's). In the past, kids' frame design focused on pastel and bright colors and somewhat juvenile design. While some frames are still available in this theme, the real direction now is focused on scaled-down adult styles.

Plastics in elongated rectangular shapes, small, retro-styled ovals, and even thin, clean titanium eyeglasses are all available for small customers today. The availability of these styles for kids has them yearning to wear glasses more than ever before.

Optical shops have also become savvy to the needs of this important customer. Thus, they have created special sections for kids and their parents to feel comfortable in while they are making their eyewear decision. Often, these areas are complete with child-size tables and chairs, coloring books and crayons, comic books and toys.

Additionally, most of the eyewear displays today are at child's eye view so they feel they are an integral part of the shopping experience. It is important for children to feel that they have made their own decision on the eyewear. Choosing an eyeglass frame they like will ensure that they wear it more regularly. If they like their glasses to start with, then half the battle is won.

Also important is that the optician explain to the child how he or she should care for the glasses. This includes an explanation of how to use the cleaning cloth and solution (many shops will give this to the child with the purchase), how to put the eyeglasses on and take them off so as not to bend or twist the frames, and why it is important to keep the frames in a hard case and store them in the child's backpack or with the parent when they are not being used.

Additionally, more and more manufacturers of eyeglass frames and lenses, as well as the optical shops themselves, are offering extended warranties on children's eyeglasses so that parents can feel more at ease in making this purchase. And there is not as much pressure on the child when they are wearing the frames.

Some of the technological developments that are showing up in all frames, and were discussed in the Men's Frames article as appealing to men, are also making an appearance in children's frames. Many of them, such as spring hinges that allow for much bending of the temples and flexible frame materials that allow for accidents such as sitting on frames or over-bending when putting on and taking off, are quite practical and appeal to parents.

Also, thinner and lighter materials like stainless steel and titanium are becoming more reasonably priced as the supply of frames made of these materials increases. They are great for kids who wear their glasses all day.

Polycarbonate lenses have also made a great impact in children's eyewear. Today, most kids' frames are sold complete with the impact-resistant lenses.

All these options have made children's eyewear much more appealing to both the child and the parent.

The top five children's eyewear trends:

1. Adult styling and colors in kids' sizes. Designers have taken cool and classic designs that work for adults and simply scaled them down. Used to be, most children's eyeglass frames were plastic. But now manufacturers offer wire frames.

2. Branded or licensed eyewear lines are very popular with slightly older kids.

3. All things durable. Spring hinges, flexible materials, strong frame materials, and polycarbonate lenses appeal to the parent and work for the child.

4. Sunglass clip-ons for eyeglass frames. These are hugely popular for adults and are now widely available for kids as well.

5. Fashion. For the child who is fast becoming a teenager, eyewear fashion is increasingly important, and designer eyeglasses are appealing.