Parents always want the best for their children. They make sure they eat their vegetables, brush their teeth, and get enough sleep. But what about their eyesight? Many eye problems in children can be subtle and easily overlooked. In this blog post, we will explore some hidden signs of vision issues in children that every parent should be aware of.
Squinting and eye rubbing
If you notice your child squinting often while watching TV or reading a book, it could be a sign that they are having trouble seeing clearly. Similarly, if your child frequently rubs their eyes, it could indicate eye strain or fatigue. Make sure to schedule a visit with their eye doctor if you have any concerns.
Headaches or eye strain
Is your child constantly getting headaches? It’s normal for them to get a headache every now and then, but frequent complaints could be a sign of a vision issue. Children with vision problems may also experience eye strain, fatigue, or headaches after focusing on close-up objects or reading for long periods.
Holding objects close to their face
Another hidden sign of eye problems in children is holding objects close to their face while reading or writing. Children with uncorrected vision issues may instinctively bring objects closer to their eyes to see more clearly. If you notice your child holding books, tablets, or toys unusually close to their face, it could be a red flag for potential vision problems. Their eye doctor can identify any underlying issues and provide appropriate treatment.
Poor hand-eye coordination
If your child struggles with tasks that require hand-eye coordination, such as catching a ball or tying their shoes, it could be due to an underlying vision issue. Poor depth perception and difficulty tracking moving objects can also point to potential eye problems that need to be evaluated by an eye doctor.
Behavioral problems
Yes, that’s right; even behavioral problems could be a sign of vision issues. Children with vision problems may have trouble reading, writing, or doing other activities that require good vision. As a result, they may act out or lose interest in certain tasks. If your child gets easily frustrated when doing schoolwork or reading books, it could be due to a vision issue impacting their ability to see clearly and comfortably.
As children grow and develop, their vision needs can change rapidly. That’s why it’s important for parents to schedule regular eye exams for their children, even if they haven’t noticed any obvious signs of vision problems. It’s not always easy to tell if children have a vision problem, especially since they might not complain about issues. Regular eye exams can detect vision problems early and promote healthy eyes and vision.
At ProEye Vision Center, we start seeing children right before they go to elementary school (around age 5). If you have concerns about your child’s vision, give us a call today to schedule their pediatric eye exam in Omaha or Lincoln, Nebraska!
