Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered that a recent study of a group of preteens suggested a positive aspect to the first pair of glasses experience. It wasn't always like this. While evidence still exists of the trauma that often would accompany the first exam and glasses, the attitudes of today's youngsters have changed. Glasses have reached the point of quiet acceptance by peer groups. There are no more unpleasant chants and teasing about wearing glasses. Those polled felt that eyeglasses gave them an appearance of "honesty and intelligence." Researchers also added that modern eyewear is attractive and no longer has the ugly connotation it once carried. The days of catcalls, name calling and the stigma of disability leveled at eyeglass usage among our youth, thank goodness, is long past.

Eighty children, ages 6-10, were shown pairs of pictures of children. One half of the pictures were of children who wore glasses and the other half were pictures of children who did not wear glasses. It was shown that there exists a constant stereotype of intelligence connected with eyeglasses, reinforced by the media. Of special interest in the study were the questions asked concerning their preference of playmates - which child's picture suggested that they were good in sports activity, who looked shyer and who was better looking. The preteens tested did not report differences that would mark an eyeglass wearer distinctly different from a non eyeglass wearer. Details of this study were published in the May 2008 issue of Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics. The researcher who performed the study, together with his colleagues, was Jeffrey Walline, OD, PhD, an assistant professor of optometry at Ohio State University.

It appears that to present the best possible impression on peer groups or family, teenage eyewear consumers have been influenced in their frame choices by a variety of pressures. Notable mentions are friends, parents, the media and their eyecare professional. Dispensers do not have the luxury of overlooking the thinking and experience of these teenagers. Keeping this in mind, I decided to try to discover pertinent information regarding the secrets of what teenagers want.

The youngsters were surprisingly sophisticated about signature frames and name brands. They recognized names such as Marchon, Safilo, Fendi, Oakley, Cazal, Gucci and Vera Wang. Celebrity eyewear seemed to be of significant interest to our group. They sought to emulate the eyeglass good looks of a Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, and Bono, to name but a few. Amazingly, the mystique surrounding Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn is still a persuasive selling point that resonates with the teenagers of today. Many of the group added names to the celebrity list that were dear to them, but unfortunately, unrecognized by me. Just who is Chandra Wilson?

Fondness for plano sunwear or prescription was elicited by the youths. Many already had sunwear or were contemplating purchasing a pair in the near future. Only a few had requested Transitions lenses. However, they volunteered the information that their parents did have Transitions lenses. A large number of teenagers wore contact lenses and used eyeglasses as a backup convenience. The majority of those subjects were more interested in saving money than the need for style or taste. The backup glasses were a low priority and the cheapest price for a low end frame prevailed as the best option.

The predominant choice style they preferred was a rectangular or semi oval shape in a small eye size. The choice of metal or zyl material was evenly tallied by the group with no special attachment to either. Sunwear choices allowed them to choose from more highly stylized selections. A lightweight feeling was sought by the majority plus a low grade tint. The tint was requested for style and not particularly for anti-glare needs. Heavier tints, I learned, are considered suspect by teachers regarding students who may be using the heavier tints in the classroom to disguise the effects of some foreign substances that are taken orally or smoked.

Adjustable nose pads were acceptable to most of the group, but not necessarily as a first choice. I noticed that the styles most of the group were wearing were conservative and tasteful. I was made to understand by my young friends that some classmates sported unusual, even bizarre styles that we sometimes exhibit in our offices as an eye catching display. Those are the frames that patients "ooh and aah" about, but never buy. There were instances of spiked, oddly colored hair, body art and pierced skin types who did not disappoint their peers with their avant garde styles. Some frames were purchased over the internet from obscure dealers. One of our young ladies said, "My parents hated my choice...so I liked it."