8 Signs and Symptoms Your Child May Need to Wear Glasses

If you notice these signs and symptoms of vision problems, an eye exam is the best next step.

Children don't always know when something is wrong with their vision. In fact, many kids assume that everyone sees the world the same way they do. If they have trouble reading the board at school, seeing a ball during a game or focusing on a book, they may not realize those things aren't normal.

“The AOA recommends that children have a comprehensive eye examination before age 1 (as early as 6 months), again at age 3, before entering school at age 5, and every two years thereafter, unless otherwise indicated by their eye doctor," said Hamza Dar, OD, optometrist at Marble Valley Eye Care at Rutland Regional Medical Center.

Vision problems are common in children and can affect learning, sports, social activities and everyday life. The good news is that many vision issues can be corrected with glasses or other treatments. Knowing the warning signs can help parents spot a problem early so they can schedule an eye exam before their child's development is affected.

Here are 8 signs and symptoms that may mean your child needs glasses, and should have their eyes checked by an eye care professional:

1. Squinting frequently. Squinting is one of the most common signs of a vision problem. When children squint, they temporarily change the way light enters the eye, which can make objects appear clearer. If your child often squints while watching TV, reading or looking at distant objects, it may be time for an eye exam.
2. Sitting too close to screens. Does your child sit inches away from the television or hold a tablet very close to their face? This could be a sign of nearsightedness, also called myopia. Children with myopia can often see nearby objects clearly but have trouble seeing things that are farther away.
3. Complaining of headaches. Frequent headaches can sometimes be linked to vision problems. When children struggle to focus their eyes, the extra effort can cause eye strain and headaches. This is especially common after reading, doing homework or spending time on screens.
4. Rubbing their eyes often. Occasional eye rubbing is normal, especially when children are tired. However, frequent rubbing may indicate eye fatigue, focusing problems or other vision issues. If eye rubbing happens regularly, it’s worth mentioning to an eye doctor.
5. Trouble reading or losing their place. Vision problems can make reading difficult. A child may skip words, lose their place on the page or avoid reading altogether because it’s frustrating. Sometimes these challenges are mistaken for learning difficulties when poor vision is the problem.
6. Tilting their head or covering one eye. This behavior may be a sign that the eyes aren’t working together properly or that one eye sees better than the other. An eye exam can help identify the cause.
7. Poor performance at school. If a child can’t clearly see the board, books or classroom materials, learning becomes much harder. Falling grades, trouble concentrating or a lack of interest in schoolwork may be related to an undiagnosed vision problem.
8. Complaints of blurry or double vision. Older children may be able to describe what they’re seeing. If your child mentions blurry vision, double vision or difficulty focusing, don't ignore it. These symptoms should be evaluated by an eye care professional as soon as possible.

When to Schedule an Eye Exam

“According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), 1 in 5 children have a vision problem,” says Dr. Dar. “If undetected, problems may hinder a child's progress as they are learning to read in their early years. If vision issues remain uncorrected, they may compound into difficulties when reading to learn later on.

If you notice any of these warning signs, consider scheduling a comprehensive eye exam. Even if your child doesn't show obvious signs of a vision problem, regular eye exams are important. If needed, a pair of glasses may make a big difference in how your child sees the world, performs in school and feels each day.