20 Signs That Your Child Might Have a Vision Problem

If your child doesn’t want to play “I spy,” watch out for signs of vision problems. Your son or daughter may not be able to see clearly with their little eyes. Undetected vision issues could impair their academic and social development for years to come. 

The symptoms can be subtle, so put forth your best sleuthing efforts. Schedule an eye exam with an eye care provider who can confirm your observations.

Physical symptoms during infancy through preschool

Monitor your child for these behaviors and symptoms that could indicate eye or vision problems starting during the baby and toddler years:

1. Abnormal eye movement (after 6 months of age)

2. Crossed eyes, called strabismus, a condition in which the eyes don’t line up

3. Eye rubbing that could indicate tired eyes, eye strain or eye allergies

4. Tilting the head to use one eye or covering the eye, possibly because it is weaker than the other, a condition called amblyopia or “lazy eye”

5. Extreme light sensitivity that could be symptomatic of inflammation of the iris or cornea

6. Chronic redness or chronic tearing of the eyes, possibly caused by allergic conjunctivitis, irritants or a cold

7. A white, instead of a black, pupil, which requires prompt medical attention to check for serious underlying health conditions, including eye cancer

8. Squinting to compensate for blurry vision of objects farther away, like the swing across the playground

9. Sitting very close to the TV or other monitor

10. Placing head very close to paper when coloring or a book when looking at pages

11. Clumsiness or poor hand-eye coordination

12. Frequent headaches

 

Learning difficulties in elementary school

Once your child starts school, they may display learning difficulties that could indicate vision problems, such as

13. Reluctance or refusal to do visual work like reading, coloring or identifying shapes; difficulty completing those assignments

14. Slow reading and poor reading comprehension

15. Confusing similar words or reversing words

16. Short attention span, fatigue, discomfort

17. Inability to read the letters on the marker board

 

Behavioral or emotional struggles

Also watch for behavioral patterns, often associated with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD), that could be caused by vision problems, including

18. Staring into space, appearing distracted and unable to focus. Your child may not be able to see the teacher or marker board clearly and therefore fidget, daydream or tune out.

19. Being evaluated for learning disabilities, such as lack of motivation, difficulty studying, performing poorly academically.

20. Acting out. If your child gets angry, bullies classmates or lies, they may be expressing their underlying frustration over not being able to see clearly.

 

An eye doctor can provide conclusive evidence

If you are concerned your child may have vision issues and need glasses, don’t just rely on the routine eye screenings at your child’s school or even at the pediatrician’s office to confirm or refute your observations. A qualified eye care provider is the best professional to diagnose and treat your child’s vision struggles.

Even if your child seems to see clearly, schedule comprehensive eye examinations at age 6 months, at age 3, and before they start Kindergarten. Most insurance companies cover such preventive care appointments at little to no cost to you.

 

Investigate vision insurance with Delta Dental of Arkansas

In addition to dental insurance, we offer vision insurance plans for families, individuals and employers. You can check out our rates, enroll and look for a provider online.