As parents, we naturally want the best for our children, including the best health possible. Maintaining the health of your and your family’s eyes begins with regular comprehensive eye examinations. However, between appointments, you may notice that your child is displaying signs that something is wrong with their vision and that an exam may be necessary. The team at Mack Eye Center understands that this can be concerning, but being aware of warning signs can help.
Warning Sign 1: Squinting
If you notice your little one is frequently squinting to see objects, it may be time to see a doctor. Squinting involves looking at objects with partially closed eyes in order to see them more clearly. The habit is often associated with astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness, all of which necessitate an eye examination.
Warning Sign 2: Headaches
Children that have farsightedness or astigmatism are often susceptible to headaches. This is especially true after reading, doing homework, or looking at a phone or computer screen, as well as other tasks that require close-range vision. While headaches can occur that are not related to vision issues, frequent headaches in children should be a cause for concern and should be brought up during an appointment.
Warning Sign 3: Eye Rubbing
Rubbing of the eyes can indicate a number of things, including allergies and sleepiness in children. However, if you see that your child is regularly rubbing their eyes while doing things such as reading or writing, it could be a sign that they are experiencing issues with their vision. Blurry vision can make some children assume that there is a type of foreign object preventing them from seeing clearly and rubbing may be your child’s way of removing this perceived foreign object. In fact, the blurry vision could really be due to a refractive error.
Warning Sign 4: Bringing Objects Up Close
Have you observed your child sitting too close to the television, or bringing their phone, tablet, or book right up to their faces? This could mean your child is having trouble seeing things clearly at a distance. Being in close enough range to see often eliminates the need for the child to squint, but it still indicates there is a problem with the clarity of your child’s vision.
Warning Sign 5: Complaining
Many children are no strangers to providing their opinions unprovoked, but if you notice your child complaining about issues related to their vision that include words and phrases such as “blurry” or “hard to see,” there could be a problem that needs to be checked. It is also wise to listen closely if your child starts to ask about glasses or contacts, as they may have already deduced that they need these things to see clearly.
Children’s Eye Exams
Help your child improve their vision and quality of life by scheduling an eye exam for them at Mack Eye Center. Our team is dedicated to creating a safe, friendly, and relaxing environment that is welcoming to adults and children alike. To get started, contact us online or call our office today.
