10 Signs That Your Child Might Need Eyeglasses

Introduction

Vision problems in children may be more challenging to detect than in adults because they don't usually complain about symptoms. Moreover, adverse eye conditions can negatively impact their quality of living if left undetected. As a parent, your role is to watch out for signs and symptoms of vision problems in your child. Keep in mind that healthy eye development plays a significant role in your child's future. Therefore, you should always be vigilant. 

We understand the value of early detection of vision problems. That's why we are sharing this blog post with you. Most eye disorders or diseases are curable and manageable during their early stages. So, let's discuss the ten signs that your child might need eyeglasses.

How to Tell if Your Child Needs Glasses

First Sign: Excessive Squinting

Excessive squinting may be a sign of refractive error. This type of eye condition affects your child's ability to focus on an image. By squinting, your child temporarily improves the quality of their vision. On the other hand, it still diminishes the overall quality of their sight. If you notice that your child is squinting too much while reading books or watching videos, take it as a sign that your child may need eyeglasses. 

Second Sign: Tearing

Tearing indicates overworked eyes. It could be from an infection or damage, or your child might have blocked tear ducts. On the other hand, your child might have lagophthalmos. Lagophthalmos is an eye condition where the eyes do not close fully when sleeping at night, making them dry. As a result, it causes excessive tearing during your child's waking hours. Be sure to watch out for excessive tearing.

Third Sign: Head Tilting

Head tilting while reading or watching videos indicates eye misalignments caused by muscle imbalance. It is also called "lazy eyes" or strabismus. What's more, they may develop ptosis. Ptosis is an eye condition where the eyelids drop to the vision line. Head tilting or using a finger for guidance when reading provides a temporary fix, but it still compromises your child's vision quality. 

Fourth Sign: Excessive Eye Rubbing

It is usual for a child to rub their eyes occasionally. On the other hand, excessive rubbing may signify an undetected eye problem. The possible causes of this symptom are eye fatigue or eye strain. What's more, your child might be experiencing signs of allergic conjunctivitis. 

Fifth Sign: Watching Videos Too Close in the Eyes

When a child sits too close in front of the television or holds a handheld device near their face, it could signify nearsightedness. Children with poor eyesight tend to watch screens closely. For them, their vision improves when at a closer range. However, the quality of their sight diminishes when scanning at a distance. 

Sixth Sign: Sensitivity to Light

Light sensitivity causes discomfort to your child when exposed to a bright light source. It is a condition called photophobia. Children with this eye condition cannot tolerate light. One of the signs to watch out for is when your child squints when exposed to a direct light source. 

Seventh Sign: Farsightedness

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is the direct opposite of nearsightedness (myopia). Children with this eye condition have difficulties focusing on images or text at a near distance. One possible cause is when the child's eyeball develops shorter than average. 

Eighth Sign: Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the lens of the eye (cornea) interferes with incoming light. It can complicate hyperopia and myopia if left untreated. The two leading causes of astigmatism are irregular-shaped cornea and lenses. 

Ninth Sign: Covers One Eye to See

Different eye conditions can affect only one eye. Take an astigmatism, for example. Only one eye of your child may be affected by this eye condition. Therefore, consult an eye doctor when you notice your child covering one eye to read or watch a video. It is crucial to have their eyes checked to prevent bad eyesight in both eyes. 

Tenth Sign: Headaches

Generally, almost all kinds of eye problems induce headaches. When you notice your child with the symptoms discussed above develop headaches, they are more likely to need eyeglasses. 

We hope that our blog post answered the question: "How to tell if your child needs glasses?" Taking care of your kids' vision is your responsibility as parents. Never take the signs of bad eyesight for granted. Keep in mind basic eye needs of your child are an essential part of their growth. 

Tip: Schedule a regular checkup with your eye doctor to prevent eye problems with your child. Watch out for these signs:

• (Toddler) squinting eyes 
• Avoiding reading 
• Frequent headaches
• Losing their place when reading
• Eyelid twitching
• Short attention span

Give the Quality Vision Your Child Deserves

Modern Focus Eyecare is the ultimate eye care center for you and your child. We offer a wide array of treatment methods to help improve your kids' vision and quality of life. Our specialists can identify signs requiring glasses and provide your vision with the appropriate treatment. Keep in mind that there's nothing wrong with kids with glasses. Call us today, and let's schedule your next preferred appointment. Dial (972) 617-8000.