Clear vision is essential for a child’s success in school, but sometimes, it’s hard to tell if your child might be struggling to see the board, read a book, or focus during class. At ProEye Vision Center in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, we recommend bringing your child in for a comprehensive eye exam around age five, before they start school, to catch any vision problems early. But even before that, there are a few clues that might suggest your little one needs glasses. Here are some signs to watch out for:
Squinting or closing one eye
If your child frequently squints or closes one eye to see better, it could be a sign of a vision issue like nearsightedness or astigmatism. These conditions make it harder for them to see clearly, and squinting is often a way they try to sharpen their focus.
Holding objects too close
When your child holds books, toys, or tablets very close to their face, it may be because they’re struggling to see things up close. This behavior can indicate farsightedness, where close-up objects appear blurry, or an issue with their focusing ability.
Increased eye rubbing
You may notice your child rubbing their eyes more often, especially after reading or using the computer. This can be a sign of eye strain, which often happens when a child has an uncorrected vision problem. Eye rubbing during close-up tasks may indicate farsightedness or astigmatism, both of which glasses can help correct.
Avoiding reading or close-up tasks
Children with vision problems often avoid activities that make them uncomfortable. If your child suddenly shows less interest in reading, drawing, or other close-up tasks, it might be because they’re struggling to see clearly. Since they may not realize their vision is different, they could avoid the activities rather than express a problem.
Headaches
Frequent headaches, especially at the end of the day, are another common sign of vision issues. When your child’s eyes have to work harder to focus, it can lead to eye strain, causing discomfort in the afternoon or evening. If your child is complaining of more headaches, it’s time to consider an eye exam.
Squinting in bright or dim light
If your child squints in different lighting conditions—whether it’s bright sunshine on the playground or dim lighting indoors—it could mean they have a vision problem. Squinting is often a sign that your child’s eyes are straining to focus, which can be corrected with glasses.
When to schedule your child’s first eye exam
It’s important to ensure your child’s vision is clear and healthy before they start school. At ProEye Vision Center, we start seeing children for pediatric eye exams right before they go to elementary school (around age 5). Early detection of any vision problems can make a big difference in their learning experience and overall development.
During the exam, our optometrists will assess your child’s visual acuity (how well they see at a distance), depth perception, and eye health, ensuring that any issues are addressed with the right treatment, such as glasses or other corrective measures. We also offer myopia management in Omaha to help slow its progression and lower the risk of eye health issues in the future.
If you’re noticing any of the above signs in your child, or if it’s time for their eye exam, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment at ProEye Vision Center in Omaha or Lincoln.
