It’s difficult to tell if a child has a vision problem. Often, kids don’t realize their vision isn’t normal or may not mention it to you. That’s why it’s important to be aware of common signs that could indicate your child is experiencing vision problems. Early detection and treatment can make a big difference in their learning, development, and overall quality of life.
Here are some common vision problems in children and the signs you should watch for:
1. Nearsightedness (myopia)
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This can become noticeable when your child struggles to see the board at school or has trouble recognizing things from a distance.
Signs to watch for:
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
- Complaints about blurry vision when looking far away
2. Farsightedness (hyperopia)
Farsightedness is the opposite of myopia—close-up objects are blurry, while distant ones remain clear. Kids with mild hyperopia may not notice anything wrong, but more severe cases can make it hard for them to do everyday tasks.
Signs to watch for:
- Trouble reading or holding reading materials far away
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Avoiding close-up tasks like reading or coloring
3. Astigmatism
Astigmatism causes blurry or distorted vision at any distance because of an irregularly shaped cornea. The cornea is shaped more like a football rather than round like a basketball. This can make it harder for your child to focus on both near and far objects.
Signs to watch for:
- Blurred vision at all distances
- Squinting frequently or rubbing eyes
- Complaints of tired or strained eyes
4. Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, happens when one eye is weaker than the other, leading the brain to rely more on the stronger eye. Without treatment, it can cause long-term vision problems.
Signs to watch for:
- One eye that turns inward or outward
- Favoring one eye over the other
- Difficulty with depth perception
5. Strabismus (crossed eyes)
Strabismus is when the eyes don’t align properly, which can cause double vision and problems with depth perception. This can happen when one or both eyes turn inward, outward, or in different directions.
Signs to watch for:
- Eyes that don’t seem to work together
- Tilting the head to see better
- Complaining about seeing double
6. Color blindness
Color blindness makes it hard for children to distinguish between certain colors, especially shades of red, green, or blue. While it doesn’t affect sharpness of vision, it can still cause issues, especially with learning.
Signs to watch for:
- Trouble learning or identifying colors
- Confusing shades of red, green, or blue
- Saying colors don’t look “right”
When to schedule an eye exam
If you notice any of these signs or suspect your child might have a vision problem, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam with a pediatric optometrist. Even if your child doesn’t show symptoms, regular pediatric eye exams can catch problems early before they affect learning and development.
At Integrity Eye Care, we offer pediatric eye exams in Murfreesboro to help ensure your child’s vision is on the right track. If you have any concerns or want to schedule an exam, contact us today.