Children experience the world through their vision, but unlike adults, they may not realize they have a vision problem. Because they assume that what they see is normal, issues like blurry vision, difficulty focusing, or eye strain often go unnoticed.
As a parent, recognizing early signs of vision problems can help ensure your child gets the care and support they need to succeed in school, sports, and daily activities. Peninsula Lifetime Eyecare Centre provides pediatric eye care to help children see their best. If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
#1: Squinting or Covering One Eye
If your child frequently squints or covers one eye, they may be trying to improve their focus. Squinting reduces the amount of light entering the eye, which can temporarily sharpen vision. Covering one eye may be a sign that one eye sees more clearly than the other or that the eyes aren’t working together properly.
This behavior could indicate:
- Nearsightedness (myopia) – Difficulty seeing objects at a distance.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia) – Difficulty seeing up close.
- Eye alignment issues (such as amblyopia or strabismus) – The brain may be favoring one eye over the other.
If left uncorrected, these conditions can affect learning, depth perception, and eye coordination.
#2: Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
Children who struggle with vision problems may strain their eyes without realizing it, leading to frequent headaches. If your child often complains about headaches, particularly after reading, using screens, or doing schoolwork, it may be due to their eyes working overtime to focus.
Common causes include:
- Uncorrected refractive errors – Such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Astigmatism – Blurred vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea.
- Eye fatigue – Prolonged screen time can increase discomfort, especially if vision issues are present.
An eye exam can determine if a prescription is needed to reduce strain and improve comfort.
#3: Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Too Close
If your child always sits very close to the TV or holds books and digital devices just inches from their face, they may be compensating for poor distance vision. This behavior is a common sign of nearsightedness, which means they can see well up close but struggle with objects farther away.
Without correction, nearsightedness can continue to worsen over time, affecting classroom learning, sports performance, and daily activities. An eye exam can determine if glasses or myopia management strategies are needed.
#4: Difficulty Reading or Losing Their Place While Reading
Reading should feel natural and fluid, but if your child frequently loses their place, skips lines, or struggles with comprehension, vision problems could be to blame. They may:
- Use a finger to track words while reading.
- Complain that letters move or blur on the page.
- Read slowly or avoid reading altogether.
These issues could indicate trouble focusing, tracking problems, or eye coordination issues that make reading more difficult. An eye exam can assess visual processing skills and determine if glasses or vision therapy could help.
#5: Complaining About Blurry Vision or Rubbing Their Eyes Frequently
If your child mentions that things look blurry, fuzzy, or double, or if they frequently rub their eyes, it could be a sign of:
- Uncorrected refractive errors – Glasses may be needed to improve clarity.
- Eye fatigue from digital screens or reading – Increased screen time can contribute to dryness and strain.
- Allergies or dry eye syndrome – Eye irritation can also cause frequent rubbing.
While occasional eye rubbing is normal, excessive rubbing paired with vision complaints should be evaluated by an optometrist.
The Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams
Children rely on clear, healthy vision to succeed in school, sports, and daily life. Regular pediatric eye exams ensure that vision problems are detected before they interfere with learning and development. At Peninsula Lifetime Eyecare Centre Centre, we use kid-friendly testing methods to assess:
- Visual acuity – Measuring how clearly a child can see at different distances.
- Eye coordination and tracking – Ensuring both eyes work together smoothly.
- Refractive errors – Detecting nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
If vision correction is needed, we offer a wide selection of children’s eyewear designed for comfort, durability, and style.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam for Your Child
The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that children have their first eye exam at six months old, again at age three, and before starting school. After that, annual eye exams are the best way to monitor vision changes and detect issues early.
If you’ve noticed any of the five signs above, or if your child is due for a routine eye exam, now is the time to schedule an appointment. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in your child’s success and confidence.
