As a parent, ensuring your child has healthy vision is crucial for their overall development and success, both in and out of school. Vision problems can often go unnoticed because children may not realize they’re seeing the world differently than everyone else, and may be unable to articulate it. Read on to discover the top signs that indicate your child may need an eye exam so you can take proactive steps to safeguard their vision health.
9 Signs It’s Time For Your Child’s Eye Exam
- Difficulty Reading or Completing Homework
If your child frequently loses their place while reading, skips lines, or complains that the text is blurry, they may have a vision problem such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These issues can make it challenging for your child to focus on close-up work, leading to frustration and lower academic performance.
- Frequent Squinting or Tilting the Head
Children who have trouble seeing may often squint or tilt their heads to adjust their vision. Squinting helps to temporarily sharpen vision, while tilting the head can reduce the effects of double vision caused by conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes). If you or a teacher notice these behaviors, it’s important to schedule an eye exam to determine if corrective lenses or other treatments are needed.
- Complaints of Headaches or Eye Pain
Frequent headaches, particularly after reading or doing homework, can be a sign of eye strain caused by vision problems. Children may also complain of eye pain or discomfort, especially if they have difficulty focusing on objects at varying distances.
- Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Very Close
If your child habitually sits very close to the television or holds books and other objects close to their face, it may be indicative of a vision problem. Nearsightedness, for example, can cause distant objects to appear blurry, prompting children to bring objects closer. Regular eye exams can help identify and correct these issues, improving your child’s visual experience.
- Lack of Interest in School or Difficulty Paying Attention
Vision problems may discourage children from engaging in classroom activities and keeping up with their peers. If your child shows a lack of interest in school or struggles to pay attention, it might be due to difficulties seeing the board, reading textbooks, or completing assignments. Addressing vision issues early on can help improve your child’s focus and interest in learning and engaging in the classroom.
- Rubbing Eyes Frequently
While occasional eye rubbing is normal, frequent eye rubbing may signal eye strain or discomfort. This behavior can indicate that their eyes are working too hard to focus, possibly due to refractive errors or other vision issues. It may also be a symptom of dry eye as they try to lubricate their eyes themselves. An eye exam can help diagnose the problem and provide appropriate treatment.
- Poor Hand-Eye Coordination or Clumsiness
Good vision is essential for activities that require hand-eye coordination, such as catching a ball, drawing, or writing. If your child seems clumsy or has difficulty with tasks that require precise hand-eye coordination, they may have a vision problem affecting their depth perception or ability to focus on objects.
- Sensitivity to Light
If your child frequently complains about bright lights or appears overly sensitive to sunlight, it may indicate an underlying eye condition such as photophobia or an undiagnosed refractive error. Sensitivity to light can cause discomfort and make it especially difficult for children to participate in outdoor activities. An eye exam can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment or protective measures.
- Covering One Eye or Favoring One Eye
Children with vision problems in one eye may often cover it or favor their stronger eye to compensate for blurred or double vision. This behavior can indicate amblyopia (lazy eye) or other conditions requiring medical attention. Regular eye exams are essential for identifying these issues early and preventing long-term vision impairment.
Personalized, Professional Pediatric Eye Care with Eye Care One
If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with one of our qualified eye care professionals. Regular eye exams can help detect and treat vision issues early, allowing your child to see clearly and perform their best in school and daily activities. Request your next appointment at your closest practice here.