7 Signs Your Child May Have Vision Problems

Reading, writing, playing, walking, and driving are all activities that require good vision.

All youngsters require clear and comfortable eyesight to meet the demands of school and live a fulfilling life.

Are you wondering if your kid needs glasses? Here are seven signals to arrange an eye exam with your doctor.

1. Squinting

Have you ever observed your youngster squinting their eyes to perceive an object or image in the distance? If your child squints to see the TV or the board in class, they may require glasses to correct refractive defects such as myopia or astigmatism.?

Squinting improves your child's eyesight by limiting the light that enters the eyes and focusing it directly on the retina's center.

2. Headaches?

Does your child get regular headaches? Children with farsightedness or astigmatism are more prone to headaches, particularly after performing near-vision tasks like reading, homework, or computer work.?

Headaches usually emerge when the child's eye muscles work harder to focus on the visuals in front of them.

3. Frequent eye rubbing

Do your children wipe their eyes, particularly when completing homework or studying at night?

Eye rubbing is a universal symptom of fatigue, but if your child rubs their eyes while reading or concentrating on a close image, they may have a vision problem.

Rubbing the eyes is typical for children who lack the language ability to explain a vision problem and instead attempt to rub the fuzzy vision away.?

4. Sitting near to the TV or screen

Does your youngster sit close to the television or hold their phone or book directly in front of their eyes? Being close to an item or image minimizes the need to squint to see well, particularly when myopia is the underlying cause of the problem.

If your child exhibits these seven symptoms, arrange an eye exam with an optometrist near you.

5. Close one eye

Does your youngster frequently close one eye while reading or playing on their tablet?

This is generally an indication that the eyes aren't performing correctly. In some situations, it is due to a refractive error, while in others, a binocular vision issue such as convergence insufficiency may be to blame.?

Closing one eye allows the stronger eye to transmit a crisp image to the brain, resulting in better vision.

6. Clumsy or lacks coordination

Has your child's teacher or sports coach mentioned that they are 'tripping or bumping into things'? Is your child exhibiting these tendencies at home??

Frequent tripping or bumping into items or people can give your child the reputation of being clumsy, but they are usually suffering from a vision problem.

7. Reading problems

Is your child reading at grade level? Do they lose their place while reading, skip lines, or maintain track with their fingers??

Refractive errors and other visual issues can make reading difficult, affecting a child's overall academic achievement.

How Often Should Children Have Their Eyes Checked?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that your child's eyes be evaluated by an optometrist once a year, commencing at the age of six months. A comprehensive eye exam can reveal visual abnormalities that basic vision screenings cannot, such as farsightedness, astigmatism, convergence insufficiency, and lazy eye.

If your child exhibits symptoms of a visual problem, make an appointment with an eye doctor near you. While it is standard practice for pediatricians to provide a brief vision test at your child's annual physical, it is crucial to note that these screenings do not replace a full examination by an eye doctor.