Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses
Glasses are fantastic tools used to enhance the quality of life. They enable higher job performance, safer driving, and a more vivid view of our surroundings. But what do they do for children? A young child may have never given the function of glasses a thought. However, blurred vision for a school-aged child can lead to failing grades, headaches, and injury. Thankfully, there are signs parents can watch for to determine if a child needs glasses.
Headaches and eye pain
Watch out for squinting, headaches, and eye pain. When your child cannot see objects clearly, they will try harder to view that object. A classic tactic is squinting the eyes. Squinting overexerts the eye muscles and strains the eyes, causing eye pain and headaches.
Difficulty focusing on or keeping up with schoolwork
If your child can’t plainly see what is written on paper or the board, it can cause them to fall behind in school. It’s hard to focus on schoolwork when you can’t follow along. This can be discouraging. Sadly, a young child may not fully understand that their eyesight is to blame. Consider talking to your child’s teacher to discuss if they have noticed any signs of vision issues.
Clumsiness
Parents will simply write off clumsiness as part of growing up. Still, don’t be so quick to write off the occasional fall or trip as pure clumsiness. It may be a sign your child needs glasses. Children that aren’t avoiding obstacles they should have noticed or who step on objects at their feet even while looking down, could need glasses.
Sitting closely to the television
Kids are adaptable and this superpower helps them adjust as needed. If they can’t see clearly, they will do what they can – within their control – to enhance their vision. Sitting closer to an object, especially the television, is one way to get a clearer view of the screen. Catching this sign sooner rather than later helps prevent eventual eye strain, headaches, or other medical issues.
Holding books and electronics close to their faces
As with sitting closer to a television, if your child begins holding books or portable electronics closer to her or his face, it might be yet another sign of vision issues. This might cause the previously mentioned headaches and eye pain, but anxiety can be another side effect. Frustration might occur if children are not able to relax and enjoy their downtime from school, extracurricular activities, and chores.
Kids are impressive. They will adjust to their vision issues and navigate their world without a second thought. It’s extremely important that parents pay attention to the small details and look for changes in their child’s vision. Even a child already wearing prescription glasses can have sudden vision changes. It’s possible, for example, to go from far-sighted one year to near-sighted the next. Make sure to schedule eye exams yearly, or twice yearly if they currently have prescription glasses, even when there are no indications of vision loss.
The new school year is in full swing. Make sure your child is the head of the class. If you have noticed signs that your child needs glasses, schedule an eye exam today. Please contact The Eye Center, with locations in Huntsville and Madison, at 256-705-3937.