How to Know When to Take Your Child to the Eye Doctor

Sometimes when a child needs glasses, it isn't as plain as the nose on their face. Usually you know when your child is sick, but how do you tell if your child needs glasses? Can the child tell you they cannot see? Some children do not know they need glasses. As parents we feel helpless, but there are some signs that will alert you to the possibility of your child needing glasses.

Close proximity - If you notice your child is close to anything they are looking at, your child may be having trouble seeing the object. With that said, it does not matter how many times you tell your child to back up away from the television. The child will always sit on top of the television if you are not looking. This does not necessarily mean the child needs glasses. If the child holds everything an inch away from their face, you may want to schedule an eye doctor's appointment for your child, to see whether or not he or she needs glasses.

Headaches - Headaches are often associated with not being able to see properly. As an adult that wears glasses, I often get headaches from vision issues such as my glasses being crooked for long periods of time or not wearing my glasses when I need them. Children will often experience headaches for the same reason. If your child complains of a headache you may also be seeing other symptoms of needing glasses such as close proximity or squinting, you want to take your child to the eye doctor as soon as possible.

Squinting - Squinting is a true sign of needing glasses. Your child may be squinting to help them read or to see things in the distance. If you see your child squinting, you may want to schedule an eye doctor appointment for your child. Sometimes a child will squint to see items in a "different" manner, but if your child is frequently squinting he or she may have a problem.

Reading comprehension - It is difficult to tell whether or not your child needs glasses when he or she cannot read properly. When your child is learning to read he or she will mix up words so it is hard to tell if it is their learning process or if it is their eyes. Your child's teacher may have noticed trouble with him or her seeing. You may want to ask their opinion and schedule an eye doctor's appointment.

Yearly eye test - Your child will have a yearly eye test at school or at your child's yearly well visit. The eye test is only a guesstimate of whether or not your child is having trouble seeing. If you think your child is having trouble seeing, you want to go to the eye doctor with your child.

All of these are ways you may suspect your child needs eyeglasses. If your child exhibits any of the symptoms, you may want to take her to an eye specialist. Your child's primary care physician should be able to refer you to one. It's always better to be safe than sorry.