Depending on the visual error being corrected, kids wearing glasses for the first time are often awed by the changes they see in the world around them. The right glasses cause leaves on a tree to become individual details rather than a green blur on a brown stalk. Words on a page suddenly have meaning. Even the expression in a parent’s eyes is easier to read when you’re wearing glasses that correct your vision.
Unfortunately, many children don’t share their difficulty seeing with their parents or other caregivers. This is often because they have no idea they aren’t seeing normally. It’s difficult, after all, to speak up about not seeing well if you don’t know what “normal” looks like. And some kids with visual problems are just too young to express themselves.
There are signs, however, that can alert parents, teachers, and other caregivers to the possibility that a child may need glasses. Dr. Jennifer Andrews is happy to share five signs that may signal a problem.
1. Squinting
Frequent, persistent squinting is often a sign that your child has a refractive error such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. These errors affect how the eyes focus on an image, and squinting can help make an object clearer.
2. Head tilting or covering one eye
Your child may frequently cover one eye or tilt their head to try and increase visual clarity. This behavior may indicate a misalignment of the eyes or amblyopia (lazy eye), which is one of the most common eye disorders in children.
3. Bringing objects too close
Sitting too close to the television or bringing a book or hand-held device very close to the eyes is often an indication of myopia (nearsightedness). Children with this refractive error can see objects at close range but not at a distance.
4. Frequent eye rubbing, headaches, eye pain
Excessive eye rubbing can indicate eye fatigue or strain. Headaches or eye pain, especially at the end of the day, may be a sign that your child is straining their eyes to improve focus and decrease blurred vision.
5. Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork and problems with behavior
Children who can’t see the board or images on a computer monitor are sometimes identified as lacking the focus necessary for schoolwork. They may eventually develop problematic behaviors to cope with their boredom in the classroom. Even high school students who lack reading skills may be experiencing a problem with their vision.
Urban Eye Care is Seattle’s premier eye care facility for the entire family. Dr. Andrews uses the latest technology to ensure your child’s eye exams are comprehensive and provide highly accurate results. She sees patients as young as 6 months and uses a variety of screening exams to ensure your child’s vision is developing normally.
Schedule a visit at Urban Eye Care today. Call the office or book your visit online.