About 80% of a child’s learning occurs from vision development. A child’s growth in the electrical activity of the brain may be affected when they don’t have the right pair of eyeglasses.
Sometimes, children develop good enough vision to be able to function or play. But other times, vision problems may cause learning or behavioral issues.
Here, we will share how to know when to take your child to the optometrist. Read this guide to find out the signs you should take your child to the eye doctor.
Having Trouble Reading
It’s normal for school-aged children to have some difficulty with reading, and it’s usually nothing to worry about. But, if your child is having trouble reading or doing other activities that require good vision, it’s a good idea to take your child to pediatric eyecare.
Most children will need glasses if they are having trouble seeing the blackboard or reading the textbook.
Squinting a Lot
Squinting can be a sign that your child is having difficulty seeing. The optometrist can determine if your child needs glasses or other corrective measures. The earlier you catch vision problems, the easier they are to treat.
Most children should have their first eye exam at around age 3. If squinting is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, or blurred vision, it may be a sign of an underlying condition and warrant a trip to an eye specialist.
Rubbing their Eyes
The constant rubbing can be a symptom of dry eye, which can be caused by many things, including screen time, genetics, and certain medications. While some rubbing is normal, especially when tired, if it is excessive or accompanied by other symptoms, it could be a sign of an eye health issue.
If your child’s eyes are red or irritated, they may be suffering from allergies or other irritants. If the rubbing is accompanied by discharge, it could be a sign of pink eye or another infection.
Complaints of Headaches
Headaches can be a sign of some different eye problems, including eye strain, poor vision, and even more serious conditions, which can be caused by many things, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. An eye exam can determine if your child has any of these conditions and if they do, glasses or contacts can help to relieve the headaches.
If your child’s headaches are severe or accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea or vomiting, please see your doctor or go to the emergency room.
Eyes Appear to Be Turning Inward or Outward
If your child’s eyes appear to be turning inward or outward, it’s important to take them to the optometrist. This is because their eyes may be crossed, which can cause problems with vision. If the optometrist finds that their eyes are crossed, they may recommend surgery to correct the problem.
This could also be a sign of a serious problem called strabismus. Strabismus can cause amblyopia, or “lazy eye.” If it’s not treated, amblyopia can lead to permanent vision problems.
Asks for an Advice from an Optometrist
If you are concerned about your child’s vision, the best thing to do is to take them to the optometrist. They can help to diagnose and treat any vision problems that your child may have.
In general, children should have their first eye exam at 6 months old, and then again at 3 years old. After that, they should have their vision checked every 2-3 years up until they turn 18.
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