FIX AND FIT
button noses on button pads
by Alex Yoho, ABOM

One of the most frequently asked questions, and frustrating problems with kids' frames involves adjusting nosepads.

The purpose of nosepads is to bear the majority of the weight of the eyewear. With nosepads, weight is borne on the sides of the nose—the very part of the nose that kids just don't have.

Ordinarily, we could distribute the weight of heavier eyewear by using larger pads, but with our littlest customers that would be overpowering. Button pads will work, and look appropriate, but sometimes they can catch and roll on the edge and can leave red marks. If you select pads, or use a frame with button-style pads, this is the one instance that you may not want pads to rock loosely.

LINDBERG style Ophus stays put on kids' noses

If I were to narrow down the vast selection of nosepads, it would be 13mm or 15mm symmetrical acetate pads with plenty of
movement. They lay flat on the surface of the nose and also distribute weight effectively.

THREE ANGLES

When adjusting nosepads on kids, it's important to recall all three planes of adjustment—that is, the frontal, splay, and vertical angles.

• Frontal angle. The best adjustments don't require much frontal angle (face to face with the patient). It looks like the side of a pyramid and can follow the eyewire.

• Splay angle. This is the most important adjustment for a child. You will need to open the back edge of the pads closest to the base of the nose like opening a book. The splay is correct when pads contact the nose from front to back.

• Vertical angle. With a short, little nose that has almost no developed bridge, the vertical angle becomes more important. A positive vertical angle following the slope of the nose usually works best.

Pull the top of the nosepad and arm toward the face. This increases the vertex distance to prevent lashes brushing the back of the lenses.

Another adjustment that is related and involves the pad arms is to increase the vertex adjustment. Next time you encounter a button-nosed kid, give these tips a try.

Comments may be sent to the author via E-mail at ayoho@cox.net