Is Your Child is Having Vision Problems? Know the Signs

Life gets so busy and the days fly by right before our eyes, but what about your child's eyes? Problems with your child's vision can slip right by you when the days are long and time with your child is short. Here are a few signs to watch out for if you're worried that your child is having vision problems.

Squinting - One of the most noticeable sign of a vision problem in your child is that they squint a lot. Do they squint at the books they're reading? Do they squint at things at a distant? Squinting is a big sign that it may just be time for glasses.

Headaches - Headaches are a routine ailment in today's time, but if your child is having headaches regularly, you may want to have them checked out by their optometrist. If you've noticed your child squinting and then they mention a headache, then you can be almost certain that they are having vision problems.

Eye Strain - Anyone who wears glasses or contacts knows what eye strain is. It's where your eyes are overused and they have a tired, achy feeling to them. Kind of like when you stay up too late at night and then have to get up far too early for your liking. Eye strain, when accompanied by squinting and headaches, can be a good sign that your child has a vision problem and should be seen by their optometrist very soon.

Poor Grades in School - Poor grades in school don't always mean that your child has a vision problem. But if they are accompanied by any of the above signs, then you can be assured that they should be seen by their optometrist, and very soon. By the time that grades start to slip, a vision problem has probably been around for quite some time.

Holding Books Too Closely - One of the best signs to use when trying to determine if your child has a vision problem is that you notice they are holding their books, papers, etc. too close to their face when reading. This could also be seen if they sit too closely to the television. A lot of times this sign of a vision problem will also be accompanied by squinting, headaches, and eye strain.

Most vision problems will be accompanied by more than one of the above signs. Depending upon your child's age, they may deny that they're having a problem, but you'll be able to see the signs over and over again if you just watch. So be observant and if you even suspect a vision problem, get your child in to see their optometrist as soon as possible. Even if your child doesn't currently have a vision problem, make sure that you schedule routine, yearly eye exams just like you would with your child's yearly check-up with their pediatrician. It could save them a lot of trouble if they do develop a vision problem in the future.

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