Your children’s eyesight is important, especially as they learn and develop. Having vision problems can lead to issues in schooling that may result in a misdiagnosis for mental health problems. To help you avoid this, it is recommended that you take your child to see an optometrist before they go to school. This article will look at some common warning signs that your child may have problems with their vision.

Behavioral issues in children may be a sign that children have developed some vision difficulties. For example, sitting too close to the television may be a sign that children are nearsighted. Squinting can be a sign that your child is straining to see something. Rubbing eyes regularly might be a sign that they have eye fatigue and regular headaches might be an indication that their brain is struggling to compensate for vision problems. If your child has developed a lazy eye, you should get it checked out. Another indicator of a potential problem might be if your child has difficulties playing sports where people are far away, this can indicate long-sightedness.

When you notice behavioral issues occurring around reading, you should definitely take notice. For example, frequently skipping over small words such as ‘a, as, or, if and it’ may indicate problems with tracking. Likewise, losing place or skipping sections may also indicate a tracking issue. Additionally, low comprehension of written words and avoiding tasks requiring focus may be because of vision problems. If your child holds their book close to their face it may indicate short-sightedness.

As you can see there are many behavioral issues that may be caused by problems with vision. Many parents believe that the eye tests administered by schools are enough for accurate diagnosis. However, while the tests are helpful for identifying vision problems, they aren’t as through as tests administered by optometrists. If you suspect that your child may be having difficulties with their vision, it is strongly advised that you take them to see a qualified optometrist. Detecting issues early makes them easier to treat and ensures your child can get a great education. Optometrists can only help treat eye problems after they have been diagnosed. Additionally, as many problems develop over time regular check-ups are advised. It is recommended that every one to two years a child receives a check-up at the optometrist. If risk factors exist in the family, like one or both parents needing to wear glasses, then consider getting more regular check-ups.

This article has examined some behaviours that your child may exhibit if they have eye problems. Having low vision can make the schooling process difficult. However, if you take your child for regular check-ups at an optometrist the problems can be diagnosed. Once diagnosed the problem can be treated and solved. It is recommended that every one to two years you take your child to the optometrist for a check-up. So, book an appointment with Innovations in Eyecare, and get your child’s eyes tested.