Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children

The eyes play a significant role in how your child develops. They impact how they view every aspect of their life, including socialization and learning. Specialists recommend that the first eye exams of a developing infant should happen by the time they reach three years old.

When your child gets to 3 years old and before 6 or 7, they should get a comprehensive exam. Most parents mark this time by having their children’s eyes checked before they get to first grade. After that, the exams should happen every year until they are 18 years old.

Understanding the common signs that show your child is experiencing vision problems is vital. Identifying the issue helps with early treatment to reduce the chances of it having a developmental and lasting effect. Children do not know when they have problems with their visions. It’s up to the parents to be keen on identifying warning signs. Read on to learn the common ones.

Reading Problems 

Most children who often skip words or lose their place when reading may have an oculomotor problem or deficit with eye-tracking skills. Your child may have an eye issue if they have low reading comprehension, get frustrated with reading, or need to use their finger to help them keep their place. 

Holding Objects Close to Their Eye or Sitting Very Close to the Television

Children with poor vision often hold objects or devices close to their eyes. They watch the television too close. Your child may be suffering from nearsightedness or myopia, so bringing the object close to their face makes the image larger and more clear.

Frequent Headaches 

Children with vision problems often squint or strain to see things. As a result, they can experience frequent headaches. Take your child to an eye specialist if they frequently complain of headaches or you detect them consistently struggling to see things or read.

Eye Rubbing

Rubbing the eyes is not a strange thing for a child to do. However, your child is experiencing a problem with their vision if they constantly rub their eyes. They may be having distortion in their sight or blurred vision. Thus, they rub their eyes to clear the issue they face. 

Closing an Eye to Read or Watch Television

Your child may have a binocular vision problem if you notice them often closing one eye to read or watch TV. Healthy eyes are a coordinated team that works together. Any irregularity in their binocular vision makes their eyes find it hard to read or focus on things when both are open.

Ensuring your child gets an early diagnosis if they show vision problem signs is vital. Doing so will help with their optimal development. Schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist or eye doctor as soon as possible if you notice any warning signs. Get your child’s vision and eyes examined.

It is vital to ensure your child gets regular eye examinations for their overall health. An ophthalmologist or optometrist can detect problems that may be dangerous to their eyes, vision, or general health. Early diagnosis helps your child start treatment to help them thrive in all aspects of their life.

For more information on signs of vision problems in children, contact Rieger Eyecare Group at our office in Normal, Illinois. Call (309) 320-2020 to book an appointment today.