For National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month
Many children struggle with vision problems without knowing it! They may assume everyone sees the way they do. Vision affects learning, focus, and development, so it’s essential to detect problems early.
Here are five signs that may indicate your child needs an eye exam:
- Frequent squinting or covering one eye
This may be a way to clear up blurry vision. It can also point to certain eye conditions. - Headaches, constant eye rubbing, or excessive blinking
These symptoms often appear when the eyes are strained or overworked. If your child complains of headaches after reading or screen time, it’s worth checking their vision. - Holding books or screens too close
Children who are nearsighted may bring objects close to their face to see more clearly. This is a common early warning sign. - Avoiding reading or trouble concentrating
Vision problems can lead to frustration with schoolwork. What looks like a learning issue could be a matter of eye health. - Tilting the head while looking at objects
This could signal a muscle imbalance or trouble using both eyes together. Proper diagnosis can lead to simple treatment options.
A full eye exam does more than provide a prescription. It gives insight into your child’s eye health as well as their overall wellness. Children should have their first comprehensive exam by age 5, or earlier if symptoms appear. Here at OculusDocs, we can see children ages five and up, and we can help you with a referral for younger children. Call the office to schedule your child today: 860-838-3838
Sources:
- American Optometric Association. “Children’s Vision.” aoa.org
- Donahue SP, Baker CN. “Procedures for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians.” Pediatrics. 2016;137(1). https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3597
- Content adapted in part with the assistance of ChatGPT, an OpenAI language model, accessed July 31, 2025.