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.

As you go throughout your life, your eyesight will continue to change, sometimes subtly, sometimes noticeably. Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s important to stay up to date with your prescription in order to maintain clear vision and prevent unnecessary eye strain. But how do you know when it’s time to schedule an exam? Here are some common signs that your prescription may need to be updated.

1. Blurry Vision

One of the most common signs of an outdated prescription is blurry vision. If objects appear fuzzy or out of focus, especially when wearing your current glasses or contacts, or if you feel like you’re squinting more than usual to read road signs or your phone, you likely need to update your prescription. 

2. Frequent Headaches

When your eyes have to work overtime to compensate for outdated lenses, you may have frequent tension headaches, particularly after prolonged periods of close-up work or reading. These headaches will usually occur around your temples or behind your eyes. 

You may also feel nauseous or dizzy from wearing glasses or contacts with the wrong prescription. 

3. Eye Strain or Fatigue

If your eyes feel tired after only a short period of reading or screen time or if you notice burning, aching, or tearing, you may need to get a stronger or adjusted prescription. This is a sign your eye muscles are working overtime. 

4. Trouble Seeing at Night

Difficulty seeing or experiencing glare in low light or while driving at night can signal changes in your vision that your current prescription doesn’t address.

5. Double Vision or Seeing Halos

Seeing double or noticing halos around lights, especially at night, could mean your lenses are no longer properly correcting your vision. You may need glasses with special prism lenses to correct the misalignment of your eyes. 

6. Your Glasses or Contacts Feel “Off”

If your eyewear suddenly feels uncomfortable, or if things just don’t look as crisp as they used to, your prescription may have changed.

7. You’re Squinting or Holding Things Close

If you catch yourself holding books or your phone at unusual angles or distances just to see clearly, you should schedule an eye checkup. If you find yourself only squinting in bright environments, you may want to invest in a good pair of prescription sunglasses. 

8. It’s Been Over a Year Since Your Last Eye Exam

Even if you feel fine and can see well when wearing your glasses or contacts, your vision can change gradually without obvious symptoms. Annual eye exams help catch issues early and keep your prescription accurate. 

Other Reasons to Get New Glasses

Even if you don’t need a new prescription, you may want to get new glasses if:

Your Glasses are Scratched or Difficult to Clean — If your glasses always look dirty no matter how much you clean them, the lenses may be damaged or covered in tiny scratches. This can cause a cloudiness that is difficult to clean and see through. Replacing your lenses can give you back clear vision. 

The Frames are Bent — Bent frames not only make your glasses feel uncomfortable and look off while on but they can also distort your vision because of the incorrect angle. You can try to adjust them, but if they still seem off, you may want to invest in a new pair of glasses. 

You’re in a New Career — If you change careers, you may want to invest in new glasses. If you will be working at a computer, you could benefit from a blue-light blocking coating, or if you will be working in a physical job, such as construction, you may want scratch-resistant lenses. 

You Want an Upgrade — Glasses and contact technology continues to evolve, and you may want to take advantage of new contact materials or lens coatings. Silicone hydrogel contacts allow more oxygen to reach the eye while anti-reflective glasses coating cuts down on glare. 

You Want a New Style — Not fond of your current glasses? It may be time to invest in a new style that will help you feel more like yourself. You wear your glasses every day; it’s important to feel good in them. 

Protect Your Eyes — Stay Up to Date with Your Prescription 

Keeping your prescription up to date not only helps you see better but also protects your overall eye health. If you’re experiencing any blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain, or if you haven’t been to the eye doctor in years, take the time to schedule an appointment. Remember, clear vision and healthy eyes are important.

Contact lenses offer convenience and clear vision, and best of all, they free you from glasses. However, they may not always be the best choice in certain situations. Whether you’re a seasoned contact wearer or just starting out, there are times when you should take a break from your lenses to protect your eyes and overall health. Here’s when to skip the contacts and opt for your glasses instead. 

When You’re Sick

If you’re dealing with a cold, flu, or eye infection, you should reach for your glasses instead of your contacts. Illness can increase the risk of eye irritation and infection. And if you’re sick, you may touch your eyes more frequently — especially with contaminated hands — which can introduce bacteria or viruses that lead to conjunctivitis (pink eye) or other issues. Tears and secretions from sick eyes can also contaminate contact lenses and their case, potentially leading to further infection. 

Stick to glasses, wash your hands frequently, and consider disposing of your current lenses. 

If Your Eyes Are Red or Irritated

Redness, itchiness, dryness, or a gritty sensation can all indicate a problem either caused or exacerbated by your contact lenses. And wearing lenses over already irritated eyes can lead to corneal damage or serious infections. 

Listen to your eyes; if they feel uncomfortable, give them a rest from contacts. If they continue to feel itchy or irritated, you may need to speak to your doctor. 

During Sleep (Unless Prescribed)

Don’t wear your contacts while sleeping, unless they are approved for overnight wear. This practice can reduce oxygen flow to your eyes and increase the risk of infection. Even a short nap can cause problems if your lenses aren’t designed for extended wear. No matter how tired you are, take the time to remove daily lenses before bed. 

In general, you shouldn’t wear your contact lenses longer than the recommended duration, as it can lead to discomfort, dryness, and potential corneal damage. 

When Swimming or Showering

Water, whether from pools, hot tubs, lakes, or even the shower, can introduce harmful microorganisms to your lenses. One of the most dangerous is Acanthamoeba, which can cause serious eye infections that are difficult to treat. To protect your eyes, remove your lenses before water activities, and ask an eye care professional about prescription goggles. 

If You’re Experiencing Allergies

Allergy season can wreak havoc on your contacts and make you miserable. Pollen, dust, and other allergens can stick to your lenses, causing redness, itching, and blurry vision. Consider switching to daily disposable lenses or glasses during the height of allergy season or if you’ll be in a dusty or smoky environment  — your eyes will thank you for the break. 

Visit your doctor if you’re experiencing severe allergic reactions to your contact lens materials or cleaning solutions. 

If You Have Dry Eyes

If you have dry eye syndrome or experience excessive dryness while wearing lenses, it’s best to avoid extended wear and consult with your doctor for solutions. Because contact lenses sit directly on the eye, a person with severe, untreated dry eye may not be able to wear contacts. 

When Your Lenses Are Damaged or Expired

Never wear lenses that are torn, scratched, or past their expiration date. Damaged lenses can scratch your cornea, and expired lenses may not be sterile, raising the risk of infection. Always inspect your lenses before wearing them and follow replacement schedules. 

When You Can’t Properly Clean or Store Them

If you’re traveling, out late, or don’t have access to fresh solution or a clean case, consider wearing glasses. Improper lens hygiene is one of the leading causes of contact lens-related infections. If you aren’t sure about the condition of your lenses, it’s better to wear glasses. 

Additional Contact Wearing Tips 

• Don’t share lenses or cases with anyone. 
• Avoid touching the top of the solution bottle with your finger, lens, or any other object. 
• Don’t use tap water or put your contacts in your mouth to moisten them. 
• Only use tweezers to remove your lenses from their case if directed by your doctor.

Be Smart When it Comes to Wearing Contacts

While contact lenses offer convenience and clear vision, they may not work in every situation. From illness and allergies to swimming and sleeping, it’s important to know when you need to give your eyes a break. When in doubt, play it safe and switch to your glasses. If you notice any discomfort or changes in your vision, consult an eye care professional. Remember, take care of your eyes, they will thank you.