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Vision problems are common in children; however, not every child — especially young children — may realize that their vision is inhibited. Because of this, it’s important for parents to be aware of the physical and behavioral signs their child may need glasses, helping them develop academically, socially, and physically.
If you’re the parent of a young, school-aged child, keep reading to learn more about 10 signs to be on the lookout for that may indicate your child needs glasses.
1. Frequent Squinting
Squinting helps temporarily improve focus and is common among those with nearsightedness or astigmatism. If your child squints frequently while watching TV, reading faraway signs, or looking at the board at school, it may be time for an eye exam.
2. Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain
Another sign your child may need glasses is frequent complaints of headaches or eye strain. Uncorrected vision problems can cause muscle fatigue, which may lead to pain in the face or head. Children may experience these symptoms during or after school, while working on homework, or during screen time.
3. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Close
Sitting too close to screens or holding books close to the face are common coping mechanisms for nearsighted children. These habits come with the risk of eye strain and headaches, so if you notice your child bringing things close to their face to see them better, it’s important to take them in for an eye exam to determine whether they need glasses.
4. Rubbing Eyes Frequently
If your child rubs their eyes frequently, it may indicate that their eyes are tired or strained as the result of vision problems. However, it could also be a sign of dryness, allergies, or difficulty focusing. Talk to your child’s pediatrician or eye doctor to determine the cause.
5. Difficulty Concentrating or Avoiding Reading
Vision problems can make reading or schoolwork frustrating. Because they have a hard time deciphering text or seeing little details, children who need glasses may tend to avoid these tasks altogether, leading to misdiagnoses like ADHD.
6. Falling Behind in School
When a child can’t concentrate because of their vision problems, they may have poor academic performance. After all, reading, writing, and staying engaged in class all depend on having clear vision. While falling behind in school doesn’t necessarily mean your child has vision problems, it may be part of a larger pattern that indicates they need glasses.
7. Covering One Eye or Tilting the Head
Children with double vision or amblyopia (a “lazy” eye) may cover one eye or tilt their head to compensate. This can impact their depth perception and balance, making it harder for them to navigate the world around them. Glasses can help correct their vision problems and Glasses can help correct their vision problems and improve their overall quality of life.
8. Frequent Eye Infections or Excessive Tearing
Frequent eye infections of excessive tear production can sometimes be linked to blocked tear ducts or eye misalignment, which may signal underlying vision issues that require attention. If your child consistently deals with these issues, it’s best to make an appointment with an eye doctor to determine whether they need glasses or another vision therapy.
9. Difficulty with Hand-Eye Coordination
Vision plays a key role in physical activities that require hand-eye coordination, such as catching a ball, doing crafts, or writing neatly. Children who need glasses may appear clumsy or struggle with sports because their hand-eye coordination is lacking.
10. Family History of Vision Problems
If your family has a history of vision problems, your child will be more likely to need glasses. Many vision-related conditions have a hereditary component, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, glaucoma, and astigmatism. Even if no symptoms are evident, it’s a smart idea to seek proactive screenings to catch potential issues early.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist. Experts recommend school-aged children should have an eye exam every year or two, either at their well-child checkups or routine school checks, but you can also take them to the eye doctor for more specialized care.
Does Your Child Need Glasses? Trust Wolcott Optical
At Wolcott Optical, we specialize in providing a wide range of vision solutions for people of all ages. Whether you need help picking out your child’s first pair of glasses or getting contact lenses for yourself, we’re here for you. Stop by our store or contact us today to learn more about what we have to offer.
