Vision problems in children can be difficult to detect. Young children in particular may not consciously realize they have a vision problem. As parents, it’s important to be vigilant about your child’s visual health, especially given how important vision is to learning. In this blog, local eye care center Opti-Care discusses signs of hidden vision problems in children and discusses when you should call an eye doctor.
Signs of Hidden Vision Problems
In addition to obvious signs such as squinting or not seeing nearby objects clearly, the following signs are commonly seen observed in children with vision problems:
- Short Attention Span — Children with short attention spans caused by vision problems might quickly lose interest in activities that involve using their eyes for an extended period of time. These activities include reading and writing, as well as use of computers and smart devices.
- Losing Their Place When Reading — Vision problems can make it difficult for a child to keep their place on the page when reading.
- Avoiding Reading and Similar Activities — Some children may find reading and other activities that require visual focus uncomfortable, making them disinterested or outright avoidant of these activities.
- Turning Their Head to One Side — A who turns their head to one side when looking at an object in front of them may have a refractive error such as astigmatism. Some children turn their head to see better, achieving a similar effect as squinting.
What Should You Do?
Should your child exhibit one or more of these signs, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with an eye care specialist. The earlier a vision problem is treated, the better and more comfortable child will be. They may also be less likely to need eyeglasses or contact lenses later in life.
Since children’s eyes are still developing, you should schedule regular visits to your eye care specialist. You will also need to keep an eye on your child’s reading habits and school performance, and whether any of the aforementioned symptoms persist.
Opti-Care is your leading provider of eye care services, including dry eye treatments. Give us a call at (410) 795-8670 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Westminster, MD, and nearby areas.