20 Signs That Your Child Might Have a Vision Problem
Posted Jun 2021
By Delta Dental of Arkansas
Tagged behavioral issues, learning disabilities, eye-hand coordination, clumsiness, squinting, white pupil, lazy eye, crossed eyes, vision issues in children
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.