I am looking for eyeglasses for my 3 year old son who has microtia (
ear deformity ) on his right ear.  There is only a small flap of skin
which does hold the bow of his glasses, we have tried a sports band to
no avail.

Hello, kel2k-ga! 

 You might want to try on of the options depicted in the following
article for your little guy.

 One option utilizes a sport band WITH a secondary band looped over
the top of the head. You should be able to easily make the customized
"spectacle headband" yourself (even if you have absolutely no sewing
talent - like me - since it does not require a needle or thread!!) The
top strap prevents the sports band from continually slipping down off
the back of the head.

 The second option ulizes an ear-free frame called "temple rest
weightless frames."


 Please see the following article for some solutions:

"Spectacle fitting with ear, nose and face deformities or
abnormalities." Clinical and Experimental Optometry. 2002; 85: 6:
389-391
http://www.eyeglass.com/weightless1.html


 Though I could not find the weightless frames on the site recommended
in the article, I did find a source for them at eyeglass.com. The
problem is that they don't appear to make pediatric sizes. Perhaps
your eyedoctor knows of a source or you can have someone create custom
frames. It certainly looks like a great option.
http://www.eyeglass.com/weightless1.html


==


 Keeping glasses on a young child is hard enough as it is! I hope
these options help you to find a good solution to keeping those
eyeglasses on your son.

Sincerely,

umiat

Google Search Strategy
microtia and eyeglasses
weightless eyeglass frames

---

Clarification of Answer by umiat-ga on 22 Jul 2004 16:25 PDT

I am SO sorry I gave you the wrong link for the main article!!!

The correct web address for "Spectacle fitting with ear, nose and face
deformities or abnormalities." Clinical and Experimental Optometry.
2002; 85: 6: 389-391 is:

http://www.optometrists.asn.au/gui/files/ceo856389.pdf

Might a Pince Nez be available in pediatric sizes?