About one-fourth of children require glasses or have other visual issues that necessitate a visit to an eye care professional. It can be difficult for parents to determine if their child is one of them. “Young children might not express when they are having trouble seeing,” states pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Luke Randall. “Older children may not even realize their blurred vision isn’t typical.” Below are some common indicators that it may be time to schedule an appointment with a pediatric eye doctor:
They sit or stand very close to the television screen
Dr. Randall notes that one of the clearest signs that a child may need an eye examination is where they choose to sit when watching TV. If they rush to stand directly in front of the screen, this usually indicates a potential issue with their eyesight, rather than simply being excited about their favorite shows.
They hold phones and laptops close to their face
Similarly, if your child consistently holds their phones or laptops very close to their face, it may indicate a vision issue. “If your child needs to be extremely close to screens for clear visibility or has to get very near to text to read it,” Dr. Sara Johnson explains, “this could be a symptom of myopia (nearsightedness).” It’s essential for kids to hold devices at a safe distance to avoid negative effects on their eyesight.
They hunch over their schoolwork
Another noticeable sign is if your child tends to hunch over tasks such as homework or drawing. Dr. Randall explains that children who require an eye exam often lean forward to bring their work closer to their eyes.
They have difficulty keeping up with their school work
Vision issues can hinder a child’s ability to keep pace with academic tasks, and some may even forgo their homework entirely. Parents should be alert for signs like whether their child reads at grade level, loses their place while reading, skips lines, or uses their fingers to track text. You can also ask them to read aloud and explain their understanding of the text or inquire if the words appear blurry. “Refractive errors and other vision problems,” Dr. Lazarus states, “can significantly impact reading and overall academic performance.” For younger children, Dr. Sarah Lopper suggests watching for difficulties in recognizing colors or learning letters and numbers.
They rub their eyes
Frequent eye rubbing can also be a sign that a visit to the eye care specialist is necessary. While it’s not uncommon to rub your eyes when tired, a child who rubs their eyes while reading may have a vision issue. “Children who lack the verbal skills to articulate their vision concerns may rub their eyes as a means to alleviate blurred vision,” Dr. Lazarus explains.
They close one eye
Observe if your child often closes one eye, particularly while reading or playing on a device. “This action might indicate that they see better with one eye than the other,” according to Dr. Johnson. Closing one eye allows the stronger eye to send a clearer image to the brain. You can determine which eye is problematic by covering each eye one at a time and asking your child what they can see more clearly.
They squint
Squinting is another indicator of potential vision issues. When squinting, the shape of the eyes alters slightly, making it easier to see objects by limiting light entry and focusing light onto the retina. “Squinting at close or distant objects,” Dr. Randall states, “is a strong indication that your child’s vision might not be optimal.”
They complain about headaches
Frequent complaints of headaches can suggest that a visit to the eye doctor is warranted. “While headaches don’t always signify an eye issue,” Dr. Randall clarifies, “they could indicate that a child is struggling to see.” This is particularly true when a child engages in tasks that require near vision, such as reading or using a laptop. “Headaches often occur,” Dr. Lazarus notes, “when the eye muscles exert additional effort to focus on images.” An eye exam can also determine if your child is photophobic (sensitive to light). “If your child experiences headaches after spending time outside,” Dr. Johnson adds, “this may indicate sensitivity to light.” An eye doctor can prescribe special lenses to lessen light sensitivity and enhance clarity in bright conditions.
They complain about eye pain and other eye problems
If your child expresses discomfort or pain in their eyes, it is a clear signal that something may be wrong. “Eye pain might be a sign of something minor like eye strain,” Dr. Randall mentions, “but it could also point to a more serious underlying health issue.” The same caution applies for complaints of itchy, burning, or scratchy eyes, as the cause can range from minor to serious. An eye professional can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children undergo vision screenings at birth, by six months of age, at ages three to four, at age five, and then annually thereafter. However, if you notice any of the signs mentioned, you should take your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam or consult with your pediatrician about the next steps. It’s important to understand the distinction between a vision screening, typically conducted by a pediatrician, and a comprehensive eye exam performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. A comprehensive eye exam assesses a wide array of potential issues affecting your child’s vision and thoroughly evaluates their ocular health.
Editor’s Note: This content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not constitute medical or other professional advice.
