Vision plays a crucial role in a child’s learning and development, but it’s not always easy to know when your child might need glasses. Children often adapt to vision problems without realizing something is wrong because they assume their vision is normal. This can make it difficult for parents to recognize vision problems in children.
There are, however, a few signs that indicate your child might be having trouble with their vision. It’s important to pay attention to these cues so you can make sure they get the eye care they need.
Squinting
Squinting is one of the most obvious signs that something is wrong with your child’s vision. You may catch them squinting when trying to read, watch TV, or focus on distant objects. Squinting can temporarily improve vision by changing the shape of the eye, but it’s only a temporary fix. Over time, squinting can lead to headaches and eye strain. If your child is constantly squinting, it’s best to schedule an eye exam to see if they need glasses.
Covering one eye
If your child keeps covering one eye when trying to read or focus on something, they might be trying to adjust their vision to see better. This behavior is often a sign of amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” Amblyopia occurs when one eye doesn’t develop proper vision, and the brain starts relying more heavily on the stronger eye. Over time, this can lead to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye if not treated. Catching this condition early is key—early intervention can strengthen the weaker eye and prevent long-term issues.
Trouble reading or writing
Look out for signs of difficulty when your child is reading or doing homework. If they frequently lose their place, hold books too close, or say words look blurry, they may need glasses. Sometimes, children may also get frustrated when they can’t see the board clearly at school or have trouble recognizing familiar faces from a distance.
Behavioral changes
Behavioral changes can also point to a problem with their vision. For example, they may seem more irritable, get easily distracted, or avoid activities that require focusing on up-close objects. Kids may not always complain about their vision, but their enthusiasm for activities can often change.
Frequent headaches
Headaches can be a common issue for kids, but if your child complains about them regularly, it may indicate a vision problem. Straining to see can lead to tension headaches, especially after reading or staring at screens for extended periods. Glasses may relieve this strain and help your child feel more comfortable throughout the day.
Clumsiness or difficulty with sports
If your child is frequently tripping, bumping into things, or having trouble catching a ball, poor vision could be a contributing factor. Sports and physical activities require good depth perception and hand-eye coordination. If your child seems to struggle with these activities, it may mean they have a vision problem.
The importance of regular eye exams
While it’s helpful to be aware of these signs, the best way to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy is by scheduling regular eye exams. Many eye issues don’t have noticeable symptoms at first, so early detection is key. Regular check-ups can catch vision problems before they interfere with your child’s development. Although school vision screenings are helpful, they don’t always catch everything. Our pediatric eye exams in Spokane Valley are more thorough and can detect issues that might be missed during a routine screening.
At EyeQ Optical, we’ll ensure your child’s vision is as healthy as possible. If you’ve noticed any of these signs or just want peace of mind, please give us a call to schedule an exam. We also offer a great selection of children’s eyewear, so we can help your child find the perfect pair of glasses that suit their style and needs!