As parents, our children’s health is a top priority, including their vision. Early detection of vision problems is crucial, as it can significantly impact a child’s development, learning, and overall well-being. Here are three key signs that your child may need to wear glasses, along with detailed explanations to help you understand and address these issues.

One of the most noticeable signs that a child may need glasses is difficulty seeing the board at school. This can manifest in several ways, and understanding these can help you detect vision problems early.

• Squinting: Squinting helps reduce the amount of light entering the eye and can temporarily improve focus. If your child frequently squints to see distant objects, it could indicate myopia (nearsightedness). This condition makes it hard to see objects that are far away, such as the board in a classroom.
• Sitting Close to the Board: Children who struggle with their vision often move closer to the board or the TV. This behavior is a clear indication that they might be having difficulty seeing clearly from a distance. In a classroom setting, this can mean they miss out on important information presented by the teacher.
• Poor Academic Performance: Vision problems can lead to missed information and a decline in academic performance. If your child’s grades are slipping despite their effort, it might be due to an unaddressed vision issue. They might also lose interest in activities that require clear vision, such as reading or playing sports.

What to Do:

If you notice these signs, schedule an eye exam with an optometrist. Eye professionals can diagnose refractive errors like myopia and provide corrective lenses to improve your child’s vision and academic performance. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting these issues early.

Headaches and eye strain are common signs that a child might need glasses. These symptoms often result from the eyes working too hard to focus, which can be very uncomfortable for children.

• Headaches: If your child complains of frequent headaches, particularly after school or reading, it could be a sign of hyperopia (farsightedness) or astigmatism. Hyperopia means the eye struggles to see close objects clearly, while astigmatism causes blurred vision at any distance. Both conditions can lead to eye strain and headaches because the eyes are overexerting themselves to achieve clear vision.
• Eye Rubbing: Excessive eye rubbing, especially when not tired, is another indicator. This can be a child’s way of coping with the discomfort caused by eye strain. They may also experience burning or itching in their eyes, which prompts the rubbing.
• Short Attention Span: Children with vision problems may have difficulty maintaining focus during activities that require clear vision, like reading or playing games, leading to a shorter attention span. They might quickly lose interest in activities they used to enjoy or seem restless.

What to Do:

Consult an eye care professional if your child experiences persistent headaches or shows signs of eye strain. Corrective glasses can alleviate these symptoms by providing the necessary vision correction. Additionally, creating a conducive environment for reading and studying with proper lighting can help reduce eye strain.

Children who need glasses often hold books or digital devices very close to their faces. This behavior is typically a response to uncorrected vision issues.

• Proximity to Screens: If your child uses tablets, smartphones, or computers at an unusually close distance, it might indicate a problem with their near vision or an effort to compensate for poor distance vision. This habit can strain their eyes and lead to more significant vision problems over time.
• Reading at Close Range: Holding books very close while reading is a common sign of myopia. Children do this to bring the text into clearer focus. Over time, this can become a habit, making it harder to correct their reading posture even after they get glasses.
• Tilting the Head or Covering One Eye: Sometimes, children may tilt their head or cover one eye while reading or looking at something up close. This could indicate an issue with one eye or binocular vision problems, where the eyes do not work together properly. These behaviors can also be signs of amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes).

What to Do:

An eye examination can determine if your child needs glasses to correct their vision. Ensuring your child maintains a proper distance from screens and books can also help reduce eye strain. Encourage regular breaks during screen time to prevent digital eye strain.

Regular eye exams are vital for detecting and addressing vision problems early. The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first comprehensive eye exam at six months, again at three years, and just before starting school. After that, annual exams are ideal unless otherwise advised by your optometrist. These exams can help catch and correct vision issues before they impact your child’s development and academic performance.

Recognizing the signs that your child may need glasses is crucial for their academic success and overall quality of life. Difficulty seeing the board at school, frequent headaches and eye strain, and holding books or devices too close are key indicators. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with a professional. Early detection and correction of vision problems can help your child see clearly, perform better academically, and enjoy their daily activities without discomfort. Regular eye exams are an essential part of maintaining your child’s ocular health, ensuring they have the best possible start in life.

World Eye Care Foundation’s eyecare.live brings you the latest information from various industry sources and experts in eye health and vision care. Please consult with your eye care provider for more general information and specific eye conditions. We do not provide any medical advice, suggestions or recommendations in any health conditions.