Vision is crucial to a child's development, but identifying vision problems early can be challenging. Unlike adults, children may not realize that their vision isn’t normal, which is why it's essential for parents to know the signs.
Early detection and treatment of vision problems can make a significant difference in a child’s academic success, social development, and overall quality of life. At Jones Vision Polaris, we are dedicated to helping parents recognize these issues and take the right steps to protect their children’s eye health.
Why Vision Problems in Children Go Unnoticed
Vision issues in children often go unnoticed because kids may think the way they see is normal. Unlike adults, they don’t always have a frame of reference for clear vision.
This is why regular eye exams and awareness of early warning signs are critical to catching problems before they start to affect your child’s learning and development.
Five Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children
The signs of vision problems can vary depending on the specific issue. Here are some of the most common symptoms that may indicate your child is experiencing vision difficulties:
Squinting or Covering One Eye
If your child frequently squints or covers one eye when trying to focus, this could be a sign of refractive errors, such as astigmatism, or even issues like amblyopia (lazy eye). Squinting helps them temporarily sharpen their vision, but it shouldn’t be a habit.
Holding Books or Devices Close to Their Face
If your child tends to hold books, tablets, or other devices unusually close to their face, it may be a sign of nearsightedness (myopia). Children with myopia struggle to see distant objects clearly, leading them to bring things closer to improve focus.
Difficulty with Reading or School Performance
Struggles with reading or a sudden drop in school performance can be a red flag for vision problems. If your child loses their place frequently while reading, skips lines, or has difficulty following along in class, poor vision could be the underlying cause.
Tilting or Turning the Head
Tilting or turning the head to one side when looking at objects may indicate a misalignment of the eyes, such as strabismus (crossed eyes). This head positioning helps them compensate for double vision or eye coordination issues.
Rubbing Eyes Frequently
While rubbing eyes occasionally is normal, frequent eye rubbing may be a sign of eye strain, fatigue, or discomfort from poor vision. If your child is constantly rubbing their eyes, it’s worth having their vision checked.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of vision problems is essential to preventing long-term issues that can affect your child’s development. Children’s eyes are still developing, and untreated vision problems can lead to more serious conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes).
Regular eye exams at Jones Vision Polaris can help identify and treat these issues before they become permanent.
When Should Children Have Their Eyes Examined?
At Jones Vision Polaris, we recommend that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at around 6 months of age, followed by another at age 3, and then annually after starting school.
These regular check-ups allow us to monitor your child’s eye health and catch any vision problems early.
Four Proactive Steps for Parents
There are several proactive steps you can take to protect your child’s vision and ensure they are set up for success:
- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Make sure your child sees an eye doctor for regular exams, even if they don’t seem to be experiencing any vision problems.
- Monitor Screen Time: Excessive screen time can contribute to digital eye strain and exacerbate vision issues. Encourage regular breaks and ensure proper lighting during screen use.
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia. Encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities regularly.
- Provide a Healthy Diet: Nutrient-rich foods, such as leafy greens, carrots, and fish, support overall eye health and help protect against future vision problems.
If you have noticed any signs of vision problems in your child, don’t wait—request an eye exam at Jones Vision Polaris to ensure they receive the care they need for healthy, clear vision.