As parents, we always want the best for our children, and that includes good health. One aspect of health that often gets overlooked is vision. Vision problems in children can lead to difficulty in reading, writing, and learning, which can have a long-term impact on their academic performance and quality of life.
Unfortunately, children may not tell you when they are having symptoms because they don’t realize the difference between normal and abnormal vision. It can be especially difficult to notice signs of vision problems in younger children who can’t communicate that they are having issues.
In this blog post, we’ll explore signs of vision problems in kids, so you know when to schedule an eye exam.
Squinting or blinking excessively
If your child is squinting or blinking excessively, it could be a sign of a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Squinting can help your child to see more clearly by temporarily changing the shape of the eye, and blinking can help to lubricate the eye. However, these are not permanent solutions, and your child may need glasses or contact lenses to correct the refractive error.
Rubbing the eyes
If your child is rubbing their eyes frequently, they could be suffering from eye fatigue or eye strain. Eye fatigue can be caused by reading, writing, or using digital devices for long periods. Eye strain can be caused by poor lighting or reading in an awkward position. If your child is rubbing their eyes, encourage them to take a break from the activity causing the strain and rest their eyes.
Headaches or eye pain
Children who experience headaches or eye pain may be suffering from eye strain or other vision problems. Eye strain can cause headaches, particularly if your child is reading or using digital devices for long periods. If the pain persists, it’s important to seek medical attention to rule out other causes.
Holding objects too close or too far away
If your child is holding books or other objects too close to their face or too far away, it could be a sign of a refractive error. Your child may be trying to compensate for the blurry vision by moving the object closer or farther away. It’s important to schedule a pediatric eye exam to determine if they need glasses or contact lenses.
Tilting the head or covering one eye
Frequently tilting their head or covering one eye may indicate binocular vision problems in your child. Binocular vision is the ability to use both eyes together to perceive depth and distance. If your child is having binocular vision issues, they may have difficulty with activities such as reading, writing, and sports.
Difficulty with reading and writing
Another sign of vision problems in children is difficulty with reading and writing. Your child may be skipping words or lines, losing their place, or having trouble focusing. If your child is struggling with reading and writing, your eye doctor can check if they need glasses or contact lenses during a comprehensive eye exam.
If you notice any of these signs in your child, schedule an eye exam with us today. Early detection and treatment of vision problems help ensure the best possible outcome and better performance in school.
