Proper vision is essential for children to develop and learn. Unfortunately, they are often unable to express any vision problems they may have. As a parent or guardian, it’s important to be aware of the signs of a vision problem so you can seek help from an eye doctor if needed. Let’s take a look at what those signs might be.
Signs of potential vision problems in children
The most common signs that a child may have a vision problem include:
- Headaches
- Difficulty reading or doing close-up work
- Poor performance at school
- An inability to follow moving objects with their eyes
- Squinting when looking at objects far away
- Avoiding activities that require good eyesight such as sports or playing catch
Other potential signs are sensitivity to bright light, rubbing their eyes often, or tilting their head when looking at things closely.
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, it’s important that you get them checked out by an eye doctor as soon as possible. Even if the issue is minor and doesn’t require treatment, it’s better to identify any potential problems quickly before they become worse over time. A pediatric eye exam can help your child get back on track with reading and learning in school so they can reach their full potential.
What causes vision problems?
Vision problems in children can be caused by a variety of factors including genetics, environmental factors such as UV exposure or computer use, or trauma or injury to the eye(s). Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can also affect eyesight.
Nearsightedness (myopia) is also a common vision problem among children today due to the increased use of electronic devices and smartphones. It is when distant objects look blurry while close-up objects appear clear. A child’s family history and ethnic background can also increase the risk of them developing vision problems in the future.
For parents and guardians, it is crucial to be aware of the signs of vision problems in children so that help can be sought early. If you suspect your child has a vision issue, don’t hesitate—schedule an appointment with your local eye doctor right away. With proper diagnosis and treatment from the experienced professionals at Vision Center LTD, your child will have the best chance at clear sight now and into adulthood!
