Dealing with vision problems is a big deal and it can reduce the quality of a person’s life. When that person is a child, it can be even more difficult. Kids shouldn’t have to live with preventable or fixable vision issues when there are professionals who are willing to help. The first step is recognizing whether your child has vision problems or not. As a concerned parent, it is your job to figure it out and then get them the help they need while there is still time for them to adjust to any changes.
How You Can Tell If Your Child Has Vision Problems
- Headaches
Kids that can’t see have to constantly focus and refocus their eyes in order to make out what is in their field of vision. After a while, this can cause headaches, migraines, and even irritability. If you notice that your child is experiencing any of those symptoms, it may be time for you to make an appointment with an optometrist.
- Squinting
When you can’t see something, you probably squint your eyes in an effort to focus better. Your kids are going to do the same thing. As their eyes develop they will make numerous facial expressions, but squinting because of eye problems will look quite different. If you see your child squinting a lot when looking at something then they might have an undiscovered vision problem that needs your attention.
- Rubbing
Children rub their eyes for a number of reasons, and one of those reasons is because their eyes are irritated from trying to see things clearly. On top of that, kids may be trying to improve their vision by getting out some phantom obstruction from their eyes, which can cause damage of its own. Keep an eye on your kids and make sure they are not rubbing too much.
- Academic Trouble
Some kids have vision issues that don’t get discovered until it gets in the way of their education. Children with vision impairments tend to perform poorly in school, but only because they cannot keep up with the demands due to their failing eyesight. Before reprimanding your child for messing up in class, consider the possibility that he or she may have a vision problem.
- Low Self-Esteem
Performing poorly in school or not being able to appropriately react to certain situations can make a child feel like an outcast. Vision issues can make fitting in even more difficult than it already is for a kid. Give your little ones a fighting chance by having their eyes checked regularly and by giving them fashionable eyewear in the event they need assistance.
Schedule an appointment with Laurier Optical Innes Eye Clinic to diagnose whether your child has vision problems that can be corrected with eyewear.