As a parent, it’s important to watch for signs that your child’s eye health or vision is suffering. Eye health is crucial for academic performance and social development. Identifying vision problems early can make a significant difference in your child's quality of life. Below, our team at Advanced EyeCare in Durango shares some of the top indicators your child may need an eye exam and what you can do to help.
Indicators of Eye and Vision Issues
Frequent Squinting
Squinting is a common sign of vision problems. If your child often squints while reading, watching TV, or looking at distant objects, they may struggle to see clearly. Squinting helps temporarily improve focus, indicating a possible refractive error such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Sitting Too Close to Screens
Pay attention if your child constantly sits too close to the TV or holds electronic devices close to their face. This behavior often suggests that they are having difficulty seeing clearly from a normal distance. Nearsightedness is a common reason children adopt this habit.
Complaints of Headaches
Frequent headaches, especially after reading or homework, can indicate eye strain. When children struggle to focus, their eyes work harder, leading to fatigue and headaches. If your child regularly experiences headaches without any other apparent cause, it may be time for an eye exam.
Covering One Eye
If your child frequently covers one eye while reading or watching TV, it could indicate a problem with binocular vision. This behavior might suggest amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes), requiring professional assessment and treatment.
Difficulty Reading
Struggling with reading, losing their place frequently, or using a finger to guide their eyes along the text are potential signs of vision problems. These issues can lead to poor academic performance and frustration. Ensuring your child can see the text is essential for their learning process.
Poor Performance in School
A sudden drop in academic performance or a lack of interest in schoolwork can sometimes indicate vision problems. If your child finds it hard to see the board, read textbooks, or focus on assignments, it can impact their grades and enthusiasm for learning.
Eye Rubbing
While occasional eye rubbing is normal, frequent rubbing can indicate eye strain or discomfort. It might suggest that your child is experiencing dry eyes, allergies, or vision problems that need addressing.
Avoiding Close Activities
If your child avoids activities that require close-up vision, such as reading, drawing, or playing certain games, it could be due to difficulty seeing clearly at close range. Farsightedness or other vision issues might be the cause.
Watery or Red Eyes
Consistently watery or red eyes can indicate eye strain, allergies, or infections. While these symptoms are not always related to vision problems, persistent issues warrant a visit to the eye doctor to rule out underlying concerns.
The Importance of Eye Exams
Any or all of these symptoms can signal that your child has vision or eye health difficulties. It’s important to note that even if your child passes a vision assessment at school with 20/20 vision, they can still have underlying issues that can negatively impact their learning and development. School vision screenings only check for basic refractive problems. A comprehensive eye exam at our Durango eye clinic uses advanced technology and techniques to detect issues with basic visual skills and check for subtle signs of eye disease.
Request an Eye Exam at Advanced EyeCare in Durango
Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting and addressing vision problems early. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above in your child, requesting an eye exam can help ensure they receive the care they need. Healthy vision is vital for their development, academic success, and well-being. To learn more about your child’s vision and what you can do to help, visit our local eye clinic.