6 Signs That May Indicate Vision Problems in Children
As parents, we always want to ensure our children are developing healthily. While we often focus on their general physical and emotional well-being, we sometimes overlook their vision health. However, many learning and developmental milestones link to a child’s ability to see clearly. Undetected vision issues can impact everything from school performance to social interactions.
At A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy, we believe regular eye exams are vital to ensuring your child's vision is optimal, and we encourage parents to know the signs of potential vision problems early.
Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children
Vision issues can manifest in various ways, from behavioural changes to physical symptoms. Below are some key signs to watch for in your child:
- Frequent Squinting or Head Tilting
If your child constantly squints or tilts their head to one side, it could be a sign that they’re struggling to see clearly. Squinting helps them temporarily focus, while head tilting may indicate a misalignment in their eyes or a need to adjust their angle to see better. - Sitting Too Close to the TV or Holding Books Close to the Face
Children with nearsightedness (myopia) may sit too close to screens or hold objects right up to their eyes. They do this because they can see things better when they’re closer. If you notice this behaviour consistently, schedule an eye exam to rule out vision issues. - Excessive Eye Rubbing
While occasional eye rubbing can be a normal reaction to fatigue, frequent rubbing could suggest eye strain, discomfort, or allergies. If a child’s eyes are overworking to focus, particularly if they rub their eyes after reading, watching TV, or doing homework, it may be a sign of eye strain. - Trouble Paying Attention or Frequent Complaints of Headaches
If your child is having trouble concentrating at school or frequently complains of headaches, it could be more than just boredom or tiredness. Undiagnosed eye coordination problems, such as convergence insufficiency or strabismus often cause eye strain, leading to headaches and difficulty focusing, especially in the classroom. - Avoiding Reading or Close-Up Activities
Children who avoid reading, drawing, or playing with smaller objects may be struggling to see them clearly or have difficulty with depth perception. While they may not always express their difficulties verbally, their behaviour can reveal underlying issues. If your child shows frustration during these activities, it’s a good idea to investigate their vision. - Covering One Eye or Favouring One Eye
You may notice your child covering one eye when trying to see better, which could be a sign of
amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment). Favouring one eye over the other to focus is a significant indicator of vision problems that require professional attention.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
If your child is not exhibiting obvious vision problems, scheduling regular eye exams is still crucial. Children's eyes can change rapidly, and some issues may not present noticeable symptoms early on. In fact, children often don’t realize they’re seeing poorly because they have no frame of reference for what "normal" vision looks like.
Our pediatric eye exams detect even the slightest changes in your child’s vision. Early detection of conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and more serious eye conditions such as amblyopia or strabismus can prevent long-term vision problems.
The Impact of Vision Problems on School Performance
Children spend much of their day at school, relying heavily on their vision for reading, writing, and participating in lessons. Research shows that as many as 1 in 4 school-aged children have undiagnosed vision problems, which can significantly impact their academic performance. Poor vision can make it hard for kids to see the blackboard, read books, or concentrate on their work, often leading to frustration and a decrease in confidence.
Ensuring your child has regular eye exams can help them succeed in school and beyond. Children with clear vision are more likely to excel academically, socially, and in extracurricular activities.
At A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy, we aim to help parents in Kelowna stay proactive about their children’s vision health. Our team of doctors has additional training in pediatrics and vision therapy and is here to guide you and ensure your child receives the best care possible.
Don’t Wait—Schedule an Eye Exam
Your child’s vision is vital to their overall development. If you have noticed any of the signs above or you have not had an eye exam in a while, schedule an appointment for a comprehensive children’s eye exam. At A B See Optometry and Vision Therapy, we provide thorough, child-friendly eye exams that help ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and their vision is clear.