How Do I Know If My Child Needs an Eye Test?

Ensuring your child has good vision is crucial for their development and daily activities. But how can you tell if your child is experiencing vision problems? Here are straightforward signs to watch for that suggest your child might need an eye test.

Squinting

If your child often squints, it could mean they’re trying to focus better. This is a common sign of vision issues such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Close-Up Viewing

Noticing your child sitting very close to the TV or holding devices or books unusually close might indicate difficulty seeing from the usual distance. The most common causes are short-sightedness and eye teaming issues. 

Frequent Eye Rubbing

While it’s normal for kids to rub their eyes when tired or when they just wake up, doing it often, especially when not sleepy, can signal eye strain or other eye conditions such as allergy in the eye.

Covering One Eye or Closing One Eye

If your child often covers one eye or closes one eye, it might mean they’re trying to balance out how well each eye sees. They might also do this to stop seeing double, which helps them see things more clearly.

Head Tilting

If your child often tilts their head while looking at things, it might not always be a cause for concern, but it can sometimes indicate they are compensating for vision issues.

Avoiding Reading or Writing

A sudden lack of interest in activities that require visual focus, like reading, could be due to difficulty seeing the material clearly.

Complaining of Sore Eyes and Headaches

Regular complaints about headaches or sore eyes after reading or screen time can indicate that your child’s eyes are working harder than they should.

Excessive Blinking

If your child blinks a lot, it could be a sign they are trying to clear their vision or focus better. This frequent blinking can also suggest their eyes might be irritated.

What’s Next?

If any of these signs sound familiar in your child’s behavior, make an appointment to see one of our experienced optometrists. Catching and addressing vision problems early can make a big difference in your child’s quality of life and development.