Have you recently noticed your child squinting or watching TV from closer than they should? Are you worried that this could be a sign that your child needs glasses?
Put those doubts at rest by booking a children’s eye exam at an optometrist near you.
But before you do, give this carefully compiled article a thorough read!
Why Recognizing Vision Problems in Kids Matters
Many children who have vision problems don’t realize they do. For them, their vision is normal. That’s why, as a parent, it is essential to keep an eye out for subtle signs that your kid might not be seeing as well as they should.
To make parents’ lives just a tad easier, we have compiled this helpful checklist that highlights just what to look out for and when to schedule an eye exam.
7 Tell-Tale Signs Your Child Needs Glasses (Parents' Checklist)
1: Squinting or Closing One Eye
If you have noticed your child squinting when reading or looking at something in the distance, this could be a sign that their vision is blurry.
Squinting helps sharpen blurry vision by focusing incoming light directly onto the center of the retina. We all squint when we are trying to focus on something specific or something far away.
However, if your child is squinting frequently or for prolonged periods, this is likely an indication of vision problems. In such cases, it is best to schedule an eye exam immediately.
Similarly, if your child is closing one eye when watching TV, reading a book, or playing on their tablet, this could also be a sign that their eyes aren’t functioning as they should.
Their eyes may have a refractive error, or they may have amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye alignment issues), or convergence insufficiency. The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive eye exam conducted by an optometrist.
2: Frequent Headaches
Is your child complaining about headaches after near-sighted activities like reading, playing on their tablet, or doing homework? This can be an indication of farsightedness, or astigmatism, especially if the headaches become frequent and persistent.
Astigmatism is when the eye isn’t perfectly round, so light doesn’t focus evenly. This can cause eye strain, as eye muscles and the vision system may have to work extra hard to process images. This, in turn, results in headaches around the temples or forehead, ranging from mild to severe.
3: Difficulty Reading Smaller Fonts & Texts
If your child is leaning in closely to read a book or struggling to read along lines of text even when using their fingers, vision problems may be the culprit.
While struggling to read could also be associated with a learning disability, in some cases, refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness) are often responsible.
4: Sitting Too Close to the TV
If you notice your child sitting too close to the TV screen or scooting closer to see objects, this may also be an indication of myopia.
Watching TV from a phone or tablet screen at a close distance can cause something referred to as digital eye strain, and can actually worsen vision over time. It is preferable to watch a TV program on a TV screen at a distance, than from a handheld digital device.
Instead of repeatedly asking your child to watch TV from afar, take action early by having your child’s vision assessed. An optometrist can determine whether a vision problem exists and, if so, recommend the proper eyewear to avoid further myopia progression.
5: Frequent Eye Rubbing or Blinking
Vision problems in infants are harder to determine. Babies can’t voice their vision concerns or do obvious things that indicate poor vision. However, subtle actions like excessive eye rubbing or blinking can be the giveaway that something is not quite right.
While occasional rubbing of the eyes or blinking is normal, constant rubbing of the eyes may be a sign that they are facing ocular discomfort. Frequent blinking or eye rubbing especially while reading or focusing, could be a sign of eye strain, dryness, or blurry vision. Additionally excessive rubbing of the eye can actually lead to eye problems.
6: Poor Coordination or Depth Perception
Playing catch with your kid and wondering why they are struggling so much?
It may not be a lack of talent that's holding them back, but rather vision alignment issues that are making it difficult for them to judge distance, speed, and trajectory.
Conditions like strabismus impact depth perception, balance, and hand-eye coordination, making catching the ball or hitting the ball with a bat much harder.
On top of that, strabismus can also make your child look clumsy, unathletic, or unsure of their movement.
7: Drop in Academic Performance or Behavior
While there could be multiple reasons for poor academic performance or erratic school behavior, uncorrected vision can be a contributor.
If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or concentrating on homework for too long, this may be a sign of vision development issues.
Remember, a child often doesn’t know they have poor vision. This can cause them to act out in frustration or simply be embarrassed by not being able to do seemingly easy tasks.
This can lead to declining academic performance and can also hamper social development.
Eye See... Eye Learn, free glasses for pre primary and primary kids
Here is good news for families. The Nova Scotia Association of Optometrists has launched Eye See... Eye Learn, a program that gives one free pair of glasses to children in pre primary and primary. It is sponsored by Essilor and Modern Optical. The goal is simple, remove barriers to that first eye exam and build the habit of regular checkups for kids. It is open to all students in these grades, there is no income test.
Quick facts
-
One pair of glasses per child, once, in pre primary or primary.
-
Open to every child in those grades, not income based.
-
Backed by Essilor and Modern Optical, delivered through participating optometrists who provide pediatric eye care, including ours.
Learn more on the Healthy Vision Healthy Kids site, and if your child is due, book their exam today. Program details and eligibility
Buying Prescription Eyeglasses for Your Child
If glasses are what your child needs, there is nothing to be alarmed about. According to the CDC, 25% of children aged 2-17 wear glasses, and that number jumps to 66% in adults and over 90% in seniors.
As we age, there's a good chance most of us will eventually need prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct common vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Luckily, eyeglasses today are no longer cumbersome tools but rather practical, comfortable, and stylish solutions to clearer and sharper vision.
At Insight Optometry, we offer a bespoke range of prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses that not only fit great but also turn heads. Check out our online store or visit us for a full catalogue and personalized advice.
FAQs
Q1) How do I know if my child needs glasses?
Common signs include squinting, sitting close to screens, eye rubbing, persistent headaches, difficulty reading, or complaints about blurry vision.
Q2) At what age should a child get an eye exam?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that all infants have their first pediatric eye exam between 6 to 9 months old. The next eye exam should be scheduled between 2-5 years old, and then every 1 to 2 years thereafter, depending on each child's needs.
Q3) What causes vision problems in kids?
Common causes include myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and alignment issues like strabismus.
Q4) Do screen habits affect my child’s vision?
Yes, according to several studies, increased screen time can result in digital eye strain and myopia in children.
Q5) Where can I get my child’s eyes tested in Halifax, NS?
Book a pediatric eye exam with Insight Optometry by calling (902) 442-4444 or visiting us at our clinic on 1575 Brunswick Street, Halifax.
