Your child may not always be able to tell you they’re having trouble seeing—especially if they’ve never known anything different. That’s why it’s important to recognize the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of vision problems in children.
At Lake Norman Eye Care, Dr. Williams is passionate about pediatric eye care and is happy to help children ages 5 and older. Early detection of vision issues can make a big difference in your child’s academic performance, behavior, and overall development.
Common Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem
1. Frequent Squinting or Eye Rubbing
If your child squints often, especially when looking at something far away, it could be a sign of nearsightedness. Rubbing the eyes may also indicate fatigue or discomfort caused by uncorrected vision issues.
2. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Close
Children with blurry distance vision tend to move closer to TVs, tablets, or books to compensate. This can also strain their eyes over time.
3. Head Tilting or Covering One Eye
This may be a sign that one eye sees better than the other, which could indicate amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or other binocular vision issues.
4. Frequent Headaches or Complaints of Tired Eyes
Uncorrected vision problems can cause eye strain, especially after reading or focusing for long periods. If your child avoids homework or complains of headaches, vision could be the culprit.
5. Struggling in School or Falling Behind
Vision problems can look like attention or learning issues. A child who can’t see the board clearly or has difficulty focusing may act out, become frustrated, or seem inattentive in class.
Why Eye Exams Matter—Even If They Passed a School Screening
School screenings are helpful but limited. They typically only check for distance vision and may miss more complex problems like eye teaming, focusing, or depth perception issues.
Dr. Williams is happy to help with your child’s comprehensive eye exam starting at age 5 and can recommend Myopia control treatment options if indicated. These exams are painless and kid-friendly, and they give you peace of mind knowing your child is seeing their best. Your child should seek out a pediatric Optometrist/Ophthalmologist if symptoms arise earlier than age 5.
At Lake Norman Eye Care, we make children’s eye care a priority. Whether it’s their first exam or a yearly checkup, we’re here to help your child see clearly, succeed in school, and thrive in life. Schedule your child’s eye exam today. Their vision is too important to leave to chance.
