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Things Your Child May Do That Could Indicate Vision Problems

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Your child's vision is important for school and sports success. Children should have regular eye exams to ensure their vision works properly. However, if you rely only on school vision screenings, some eye problems may go undiagnosed. Even if your child goes to an optometrist every two years, their eyes could change enough to cause vision problems.

Often, a child is unable to describe a vision problem. However, they may show signs in other ways. Here are some things children do that may indicate they have a vision problem and need a comprehensive eye exam.

They Squint

Squinting is a classic sign of a vision problem. It's a natural adaptive behavior to poor vision and may lessen the effects of astigmatism. Many children don't realize they do it.

They Rub Their Eyes Often

Children with vision problems may rub or blink their eyes frequently. They often do this because their eyes get fatigued trying to focus all the time.

They Complain of Headaches

Headaches have many causes. However, when combined with other indications of vision issues, they could indicate eye strain.

They Seem Clumsy or Have Poor Aim in Sports

Children with certain vision problems often struggle with depth perception. They may bump into things more often because they can't accurately judge where they are. Some children have trouble with distant objects and may not see balls and pucks heading their way.

They Have Reading Issues

Children with nearsightedness may hold a book close to their faces. Ones with farsightedness may have the opposite problem. In both cases, children with vision problems often have difficulty reading. They may misread words and lose their place on the page.

They Seem to Have a Short Attention Span

A child with farsightedness may have little tolerance for certain close-up activities. They will seem bored or inattentive. However, they may be experiencing eye strain instead. They often turn away from these activities when their eyes are fatigued.

They Have Strange Eye Movements

Some children may score well on vision tests. However, their eyes seem to move strangely. You may see a slightly off-center eye, for example. In some cases, the two eyes may look like they don't move together, or one lags behind the other. These movement issues can lead to future vision problems if not treated promptly.

When your child has vision problems, it can affect their performance in school. They won't be able to read well and see what the teacher puts on the board. Poor eyesight also affects gym activities. Therefore, if your child has possible vision problems, schedule an appointment at an optometry clinic.


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