As children grow, their vision can change rapidly, which may affect their ability to learn, play, and interact with the world around them. Many children with vision problems go undiagnosed for years, as they often can't articulate or may not even realize their vision is impaired. In this blog, we will discuss the most common signs that your child might need glasses. Recognizing these signs and scheduling regular eye exams can help ensure your child’s vision stays on track, supporting their overall well-being and success.
1. Squinting
If your child frequently squints while watching TV or trying to see something in the distance, this could be a sign of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Squinting helps focus the eyes temporarily, but it may indicate that corrective lenses are needed to improve long-distance vision.
2. Sitting Too Close to Screens
Children who sit too close to the TV or hold phones and tablets very close to their faces may be compensating for blurry distance vision, a common symptom of myopia. Watching for this behavior can help identify early vision problems.
3. Frequent Eye Rubbing
While occasional eye rubbing is normal, frequent rubbing may be a sign of eye strain or fatigue, possibly due to uncorrected vision issues. It’s important to note if your child rubs their eyes even after adequate rest.
4. Complaints of Headaches
Children with vision problems may experience headaches, particularly after reading, doing homework, or spending time on screens. Eye strain from trying to focus can cause discomfort and lead to persistent headaches, which should be checked by an optometrist.
5. Difficulty Reading or Holding Books Close
If your child struggles with reading or holds books very close to their face, this may indicate farsightedness (hyperopia) or astigmatism. Both conditions can cause difficulty focusing on close objects and may require corrective lenses.
6. Closing One Eye to Focus
Children who close one eye to focus on objects may be trying to reduce double vision caused by alignment issues or uncorrected vision problems. This behavior should be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.
7. Avoiding Reading or Schoolwork
If your child frequently avoids reading or complains about doing schoolwork, poor vision may be the cause. Children may become frustrated if they cannot see clearly, and this can affect their learning and academic performance.
8. Poor Performance in School
Uncorrected vision problems can lead to poor grades and difficulty concentrating in school. If your child is underperforming academically, an eye exam can determine whether vision issues are contributing to the problem.
9. Misaligned Eyes (Strabismus)
Strabismus, or crossed/wandering eyes, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. This can affect depth perception and may require treatment through corrective lenses, eye exercises, or surgery.
10. Family History of Vision Problems
If there is a history of vision issues in your family, your child may be at a higher risk of developing similar problems. Regular pediatric eye exams can help monitor their eye health and ensure any issues are detected early.
Setting Your Child Up for Academic Success
Your child’s vision plays an essential role in their development and academic success. Recognizing the signs of potential vision issues early can help prevent long-term challenges. At Norwalk Vision Center, we provide comprehensive pediatric eye exams to ensure your child’s vision is clear and healthy.
Schedule an appointment today to support your child's eye health and ensure they have the best chance for success in school and beyond.