As a parent, confirming your child’s vision is healthy is essential for their learning and development. Some common signs your child may need glasses include squinting, frequent headaches, sitting too close to screens, eye rubbing, and difficulty concentrating on schoolwork. If your child displays any of these symptoms, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine if they need corrective lenses. Routine eye exams help detect vision problems early, allowing for timely intervention. At Central Optometry, we prioritize eye health and have a variety of frames and lenses available for your children’s needs.
Understanding Children’s Vision Development
Children’s eyes continue developing as they grow, and vision issues may not always be noticeable to them. Since they may not know what clear vision should look like, they might not complain about blurry vision. This makes regular eye exams critical in detecting any underlying issues before they start affecting daily life.
Common Signs Your Child May Need Glasses
It may not always be obvious, however, here are some tell-tale signs your child may need glasses:
Squinting to See Clearly
Squinting temporarily improves focus by reducing the amount of light entering the eye. However, if your child frequently squints while reading or watching TV, it could be a sign of refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
Holding Books or Screens Too Close
Children who struggle with distance vision often compensate by holding books, tablets, or screens very close to their face. This could indicate nearsightedness (myopia) and should be assessed by an optometrist.
Frequent Headaches and Eye Strain
Vision problems force the eyes to work harder, leading to headaches, eye strain, and discomfort. If your child complains of headaches, especially after reading or screen time, their eyes may need support with corrective lenses.
Rubbing Their Eyes Often
While occasional eye rubbing is normal, excessive rubbing could indicate tired or strained eyes. This could be due to focusing difficulties, eye fatigue, or even an undiagnosed vision condition.
Trouble Concentrating on Schoolwork
Poor vision can make it difficult for children to stay focused in school, as they may struggle to read, write, or follow along with lessons on the board. If your child frequently loses their place while reading or avoids close-up work, it might be time for an eye exam.
Tilting Their Head or Covering One Eye
Tilting the head or covering one eye while reading or watching TV could indicate an issue like astigmatism or eye misalignment (strabismus). This behaviour suggests that one eye may be working harder than the other.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
If your child frequently squints or complains about bright lights, they may have an underlying vision issue or light sensitivity. This can sometimes be associated with astigmatism or other eye conditions.
How Poor Vision Affects Learning & Development
Children rely on their vision for approximately 80% of their learning. If they can’t see the board, read their textbooks, or focus on their work, it can impact their academic performance and confidence. Some children with undiagnosed vision problems may be mistakenly diagnosed with attention disorders when the real issue is difficulty seeing clearly.
Struggling to see can also affect their ability to participate in activities like sports, which require good depth perception and hand-eye coordination. Making sure that vision problems are detected early can set your child up for success both in and out of the classroom.
How an Eye Exam Can Help
A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to determine if your child needs glasses. Unlike school vision screenings, which only assess basic eyesight, a full exam evaluates overall eye health, prescription needs, and potential eye coordination issues. An optometrist can also diagnose conditions like lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye misalignment, which require early treatment for the best outcomes.
What to Expect During a Child’s Eye Exam
- A review of family eye health history
- Vision tests to assess clarity, depth perception, and colour vision
- Eye movement and coordination assessments
- A prescription check to determine if corrective lenses are needed
Choosing the Right Glasses for Your Child
If your child needs glasses, selecting the right pair can make a big difference in their comfort and confidence. Here’s what to consider:
Frame Material & Durability
- Choose flexible, lightweight frames made from materials like plastic or titanium.
- Consider impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses to withstand daily activities.
Comfort & Fit
- Make sure glasses sit properly on the nose and ears without slipping.
- Adjustable temple arms can provide a secure fit.
Lens Features
- Anti-reflective coatings can reduce glare from screens and classroom lights.
- UV protection is essential for protecting young eyes from harmful sun exposure.
When Should Children Have Their First Eye Exam?
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends children have their first eye exam at six months old, followed by another at age three, and then annually once they start school. Regular exams help detect vision changes early and confirm their prescription remains up to date.
Children’s vision can change rapidly as they grow, making routine eye exams crucial for maintaining clear, comfortable vision.
How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Vision?
While regular eye exams are essential, parents can also take proactive steps to support their child’s vision health:
Encourage Good Visual Habits
- Limit excessive screen time and encourage breaks to reduce eye strain.
- Promote good reading habits with adequate lighting.
Provide a Healthy Diet
- Nutrients like vitamin A, C, and omega-3s support eye health.
- Include leafy greens, carrots, fish, and eggs in their diet.
Give Proper Outdoor Play
- Studies suggest outdoor playtime can reduce the risk of myopia in children.
- Encourage outdoor activities to balance screen use.
Book an Eye Exam Today
If your child is showing signs of needing glasses, don’t wait—early intervention can prevent further vision problems and support their academic success. A professional eye exam can provide clarity on their vision needs and make sure they see the world clearly.
Contact Central Optometry to book an appointment and take the first step in supporting your child’s eye health.
