Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
11 Feb, 2025
As the new school year approaches, whether your child is attending in person or virtually, back-to-school preparations are in full swing. Shopping lists often include school supplies, new outfits, and a fresh haircut, but have you considered an eye exam? Experts at Vijaya Netraseva strongly recommend adding it to the list.
Basic Vision Screening vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam
While a pediatrician’s vision screening can help identify potential eye problems, it may not catch all issues. A full, dilated eye exam is much more thorough and can detect underlying vision concerns. Children can undergo an eye exam as early as six months old, especially if any vision problems are suspected. If there is a family history of eye conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia, or refractive errors (requiring glasses), a detailed eye check-up is advisable to ensure normal vision and eye health. Even minor vision changes can cause eye strain, impacting a child’s school performance. "When children struggle academically, vision problems aren’t always the first thing parents consider," experts note. "However, eyesight issues could be a contributing factor to poor school or sports performance."
Nine Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam
If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to schedule an eye test for your child: Frequent Headaches: Straining to see clearly for long periods can lead to persistent headaches. Eye Fatigue After Reading: Symptoms like burning, itching, or excessive tiredness may indicate eye strain. If your child avoids reading or struggles with comprehension, vision issues could be a factor. Difficulty in Sports: Poor hand-eye coordination, clumsiness, slow reaction time, or trouble tracking objects can signal a vision problem. Squinting or Closing One Eye: Squinting is an unconscious attempt to improve focus by reducing light intake, which may indicate a need for glasses. Excessive Blinking or Eye Rubbing: If your child rubs their eyes frequently, especially during reading or physical activities, it could point to a vision issue. Struggles with Reading and Comprehension: Clear vision is essential for academic success. If your child loses interest in reading, struggles to retain information, or frequently rereads sentences, an eye check-up may be necessary. Poor Academic Performance: Many children do not realize they have vision problems and may not mention their struggles. If grades are slipping, an undetected eye issue might be the cause. Holding Books or Screens Too Close: While sitting close to a screen does not damage vision, consistently bringing books or devices close to the eyes could indicate nearsightedness. Losing Place While Reading: While young children often use a finger to track words, continued difficulty maintaining their place in a text may suggest a vision concern.
Prioritize Your Child’s Eye Health
Vijaya Netraseva offers specialized pediatric eye care to ensure your child’s eyesight is in optimal condition. If you suspect your child may need an eye exam, don’t wait—book an appointment with our experts today!