Ideally, you should have your child get a routine eye check once a year, and adults should also get a vision check up once in a while even if they don't wear glasses. Beyond routine screenings, you should keep an eye out for other issues. In particular, if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, you may want to call the optometrist:
Squinting
In a lot of cases, vision problems come on slowly. As a result, your child may learn to adapt over time and they may not really notice the issue or complain. However, even though they don't articulate a change, their body knows there is an issue and to compensate, they start squinting.
If you see your child squinting as they look at objects, they are visually reframing; this can be a big indicator that they need visual correction. In some cases, they may tilt their head or cover one eye as well.
Rubbing Eyes
Often rubbing your eyes is a sign that your child has dry eyes or other physical concerns. However, it can also be a sign of eye fatigue linked to vision problems. Don't be alarmed if you see your child rubbing their eyes once in a while, but if this tends to happen daily then consider making an appointment at the optometrist.
Headaches or Eye Pain
If your vision is failing and you strain to see all day, your eyes are likely to be very tired at the end of the day. While some kids rub their eyes, others may complain about headaches or eye pain. You may want to reduce screen time as a temporary remedy, but if you notice these complaints after school or during times when your child hasn't been exposed to a lot of screens, that is a strong indicator of oncoming visual issues.
Issues With Schoolwork
Issues with schoolwork can be linked to a range of problems, from learning disabilities to depression to disinterest, but with many younger children in particular, unexpected issues with schoolwork can also be a sign of vision difficulties.
When children are in school, they have to change visual focus often. They go from looking at a whiteboard, to reading books, to staring at computer screens and more. This takes a lot of visual acuity, and if a child's eyes aren't focusing properly then they may lose focus on their schoolwork. Sometimes parents and teachers misinterpret this as a behavioral or learning issue, but often it simply means the child needs glasses.
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