Seeing well is vital for kids – it’s how they learn, communicate and grow emotionally as well as socially. So when we see a toddler in glasses, it makes us wonder if we should be paying attention to our kids’ vision so early? Does it even matter at this point – and do glasses even do anything for little ones who’ve just learned how to walk?
It does matter and your toddler may have sent you visual clues that he or she needs her peepers tested. According to InfantSEE, early intervention can help correct vision problems.
Since using an eye chart most likely isn’t an option, here are signs that could mean your child should get his or her eyes examined.
1. Squinting
Squinting is much like looking through a pinhole. Seeing through a small opening temporarily improves vision and could mean he or she is trying to compensate for poor vision.
2. Sitting close to the TV or computer
If you find you child in the habit of sitting too close to the TV or computer scree, or moving books really close, it can signal nearsightedness. Nearsighted people generally have clear vision at a close range and poor vision at a distance. Moving closer to an object brings the object to their clear focal point and makes the image larger.
3. Losing his or her place while reading
Observe your child the next time he or she is reading. If your child loses his or her place while reading, or skips lines, it may be a sign of an astigmatism.
4. Using a finger to point when reading
Finger pointing while reading is not always a bad sign, especially when they are first learning to read. However, it can also signal a vision issue such as amblyopia, which causes words or letters to crowd together.
5. Rubbing his or her eyes
If your child is often rubbing his or her eyes, this can signal eye fatigue. Eye fatigue can be caused by many things, so his or her eyes should be checked by a doctor to determine the cause.
6. Headaches
If your child is suffering from frequent headaches it can be a signal of vision issues. Your child could be using extra effort to see correctly to make up for any vision impairments.
7. Tilting the head
Tilting the head can be a sign of an eye muscle imbalance or strabismus. A child may have double vision when looking down or in a certain direction. Tilting the head may minimize the double vision to a more manageable level.
If you think your child is showing any of these symptoms, do consult a professional healthcare provider.
