Does Your Child Need Glasses? Here’s How to Tell

When you're an adult, you can usually figure out, pretty easily, if you need glasses or not. If you start having vision problems, you know enough to get yourself to an eye doctor and get the help you need. With children, it's a little different. If they're very young, they might not have words to express vision problems they're experiencing. Or, they might not understand or even notice what's going on with their eyes. That's why it's your job, as a parent, to watch your little one and to be aware of the signs of a vision problem. If you notice them, make a quick visit to the eye doctor as soon as possible.

Trouble Reading

If your little one is struggling with reading, it may not be his reading skills that are to blame, but his vision. If you can't figure out why your child isn't improving as a reader or if she seems to be losing skills instead of gaining them, a visit to the eye doctor may be in order.

Also take notice if your child holds a book very close to her face or very far away, as either of these behaviors can indicate a vision problem.

Regular Eye Rubbing

If your child is rubbing his eyes, you might think he's just tired. While eye rubbing can sometimes be a sign of sleepiness, persistent and regular eye rubbing might indicate something more sinister.

Eyes that have to strain to see all day are eyes that are tired and itchy, which can lead your child to rub them. On a side note, eye rubbing could also indicate an infection or illness, such as pink eye, so a visit to a professional is smart no matter what.

Sitting Too Close to the TV

It's kind of a regular thing for parents to tell their children not to sit too close to the television set.

However, when a child does this, instead of scolding her, get her to an eye doctor. Sitting too close to the TV may indicate that your child is having a hard time seeing from far away, which usually means glasses are needed.

As you can see, there are all kinds of little signs and signals children give off when they are experiencing vision problems. As the parent, be watchful and take notice of any problems or odd behaviors in your child. If you do notice an issue, consider an eye exam from Dr Fernando Eye Care optometrists.


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