Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
Reading time: four minutes.
Your child’s world is built on what they see—whether it is the chalkboard at school, the ball coming toward them on the field, or the smile of a friend across the room..
In this blog, we will discuss seven signs that can indicate vision problems in kids, and what you should do if you notice them.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If you notice your child squinting, rubbing their eyes, or tilting their head to see better, book an eye test. These behaviors are not just habits—they are warning signs.
Why Early Detection Matters
Poor vision can affect every area of a child’s life, from learning to social interactions.
Children often cannot express or even recognize they have vision issues, making it essential for you to notice the warning signs.
7 Signs Your Child Might Have Vision Problems
1. Squinting or Covering One Eye
Your child might squint or cover one eye to compensate for blurry or double vision.
2. Frequent Eye Rubbing
Constant eye rubbing, especially when your child is not tired, can indicate blurred vision or eye strain.
3. Tilting Their Head
If your child tilts their head often, it could be a way to adjust their angle of vision for clarity.
4. Struggling to See Distant Objects
Trouble reading street signs, classroom boards, or distant objects may suggest impaired distance vision.
5. Complaints of Headaches or Eye Pain
Your child might experience frequent headaches or pain around the eyes, both of which can signal vision strain.
6. Sensitivity to Bright Light
Avoiding or complaining about bright lights might mean there is an underlying eye condition, such as optic nerve issues.
7. Holding Books or Devices Too Close
If your child holds books, tablets, or phones unusually close, it could be a sign of difficulty focusing on nearby objects.
Behavioral Changes to Watch For
Certain behavioral patterns might also signal vision problems:
- Loss of interest in reading or drawing: These tasks can become frustrating for children with poor visual acuity.
- Struggling in school: Vision loss can affect academic performance, especially in reading and writing.
- Clumsiness or poor coordination: Trouble with depth perception can lead to frequent tripping or bumping into objects.
Risk Factors for Vision Problems
- Family history: Children with a family history of vision loss or eye diseases are at higher risk.
- Chronic conditions: Kids with diabetes, blood pressure issues, or blood vessel problems may develop eye conditions like diabetic eye disease or retinal detachment.
- Premature birth: Premature infants are more likely to experience vision impairment.
The Impact of Vision Problems on Life
Untreated vision issues can lead to lifelong challenges.
- Academic setbacks: Poor vision can affect reading comprehension and writing skills.
- Social struggles: Kids with vision impairment may withdraw from activities they find difficult, like sports.
- Emotional challenges: Reduced vision can lower confidence and increase frustration.
Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Eye care professionals use advanced tools like dilated eye exams to detect problems early.
Regular checkups can prevent conditions like central vision loss, blurry vision, or halos around lights from worsening.
When Should Kids Get an Eye Test?
- At 6 months of age
- At 3 years of age
- Before starting school
- Annually after starting school
Treatment Options for Vision Problems
With timely treatment, many vision problems can be corrected or managed.
- Glasses or contact lenses: These improve clarity of vision for common issues like astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness).
- Vision therapy: Exercises to strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination.
- Surgery: For severe vision impairment, eye surgery may be necessary.
Prevention Tips for Parents
Here are practical steps you can take to protect your child’s vision:
- Encourage outdoor play to reduce the risk of myopia.
- Limit screen time to avoid eye strain.
- Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins A and C for better eye health.
- Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams.
Schedule an Eye Test for Your Child Today
Did you know that 80% of learning is visual? Ensure your child’s vision is sharp to set them up for success.
Schedule an eye exam for kids in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, or Thornton. Plus, we are an eye doctor that accepts Medicaid, making quality care accessible to everyone.
Call (303) 953-8801 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
