According to the U.S. Bureau of Census, it's projected there are more than 80 million people in the United States younger than age 19 this year. That's a significant market for eyewear companies to focus on, in spite of all of the attention devoted to Baby Boomer market.

Today's teens are fashion conscious and particularly fussy about what they buy. They pay particular attention to the fashion magazines and the trends they illustrate. Their purchasing habits are driven by brand names and peer influencers. Inspired by success and celebrity status, teenagers' core belief is that looking good gets you noticed. They may be closer to being adults but that doesn't mean they to want to look like mom and dad.

Start with Good Frame Selection

Today's marketplace can be characterized as an explosion of eyewear fashion. The variety of styles, sizes and colors seems almost endless. Certainly this vast array of frames provides something for everyone, but everyone is not a good candidate for everything. Before a final selection is made the frame should be evaluated in four areas to determine if it is a good fit: frame construction and usage; frame width; bridge size and style; and temple length and style.

Frame construction and usage--A frame that brings comfort and satisfaction to one wearer may require constant adjustment and repair for another wearer. The difference here does not lie in the frame as much as it lies in the individual wearing the frame. In the case of the satisfied wearer, the frame fits well and matches the wearer's usage. In the case of the dissatisfied wearer, the frame won't stay adjusted because it possibly did not fit in the first place or because it is just not the best frame design for the way it is being used.

Frame Width--A more technical issue is matching the width of the frame to the face. The frame front should be wide enough to allow for a generally straight path from the end piece to the ear. Frames that are too wide or too narrow will often result in unnatural temple bends that are difficult to keep in adjustment. Contrary to what parents may think, purchasing oversized frames with the intention that teens will grow into them is not advisable; large frames will be uncomfortable and likely unwearable. An inexpensive frame that will need constant repair and replacement will cost much more over the long run than the very best frame designed to hold up under rough treatment.

Bridge size and style--Selecting a frame with a good nasal fit should be of critical concern since the bridge of the nose supports 90 percent of the eyewear weight. The main factor differentiating a good fit from a bad fit is the amount of bearing surface?the bridge surface resting flush upon the nose. Bridge fits, which distribute the weight of the glasses over a larger area of the nasal surface, create less pressure and therefore convey more comfort. Conversely, bridge fits that support the weight of the glasses on a lesser area of the nasal surface create a concentrated pressure often leading to pain and irritation.

Temple length and style--The bridge of a frame may support 90 percent of the eyeglasses' weight, but the temples may require 90 percent of the adjustment necessary for a comfortable fit. A well-chosen bridge will often fit the nose with little or no dispenser adjustment; however, a pair of temples will always require some custom modifications. Properly selected temple styles and lengths may be the greatest asset to achieving fitting success.

Like good bridge fit, a well-adjusted temple relies on placing the maximum amount of temple surface over the greatest temporal area. Often pain or discomfort is caused by the concentration of the temple holding power to a limited area. Temples should rest comfortably both over the back of the ear and against the side of the head.

Be sure to consult with your eye doctor in choosing the right frames for you.