Equip Your Kid To Succeed

Children’s success starts with healthy eyes. Watch for these 5 signs of a vision problem.

It’s easy to overlook poor eyesight in children. Most children don’t realize anything is wrong because that’s the way they’ve always seen the world. And if they do, they don’t usually say anything. By age 5, every child should have a comprehensive eye exam and they should continue to get one annually. But here are 5 ways to tell if you should schedule an appointment with the eye doctor in between these routine visits.

1. Struggles at school

If your child can’t see the board, how can they succeed in school? Falling behind in classwork, not participating in group discussion, or struggling at sports could mean your child is having trouble seeing clearly.

2. Avoids reading or activities that require near vision

When a child has trouble focusing up close, they may get frustrated with reading and doing homework and avoid these activities altogether. Vision problems could also be the cause if they are avoiding activities that require distance vision like sports.

3. Experiences discomfort, fatigue, short attention span, or regular headaches

Eye problems can lead to a cycle of overall discomfort. When children strain to see clearly, they can get frequent headaches. This pain leaves them frustrated, cranky, unable to concentrate, and exhausted.

4. A teacher or someone else has speculated that your child may have ADHD or other hyperactivity disorders

Studies show that 60% of students labeled as problem learners actually have undetected vision problems. When children have trouble focusing it can be hard to switch from the board to their desk, making notetaking difficult. They may then tune out and fall behind, which can look like an attention problem. They may also rush through their work, making careless mistakes, just to avoid blurry vision, double vision, headaches, or eye strain.

5. Exhibits unusual behaviors

When you’re having trouble seeing, you blink more to try to clear your vision. This can make your eyes watery, causing you to rub them more. Squinting, head tilting, sitting too close to the TV, or closing one eye are also good signs that it’s time to get an eye test.

Have you noticed any of the above symptoms in your child? The signs a child may have a vision problem can be mistaken for something else, but a quick eye check-up can help get to the root of the problem. And many vision problems can be easily corrected if caught early. Schedule your child's comprehensive eye exam today.

Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/health/uv-lenses/11868944/5-signs-a-child-needs-eyes-testing.html
https://www.verywell.com/top-signs-your-child-needs-vision-correction-3421600
http://www.thevisiontherapycenter.com/discovering-vision-therapy/3-reasons-vision-problems-are-often-misdiagnosed-as-adhdhttps://www.vsp.com/eye-examinations.html