7 Common Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses

If your little one is squinting and frowning, it could be a sign that they're trying to see more clearly by reducing the amount of light entering their eyes. It might seem like a cute endearing habit, but it's worth paying attention to as it could indicate that your child needs glasses to see better.

Sitting Too Close to Screens

While we'd all love to jump into our favorite fictional worlds, sitting too close to screens might be a sign that your child is struggling to see clearly from a distance. This can be an indication of nearsightedness, a common vision problem that might require glasses.
If your little one has been squinting while watching TV or playing on their tablet, it could mean they have trouble focusing on objects far away from them (like the TV). If this is the case for your kiddo, ask them if they need help reading signs or menus at restaurants--it could be time for an eye exam!

Eye Rubbing and Fatigue

If your child is frequently rubbing their eyes, it could be more than just a case of the sleepies. Excessive eye rubbing can be a sign of eye strain or discomfort due to uncorrected vision problems. Keep an eye out (pun intended) for signs of tiredness--like yawning or rubbing their eyes--especially when they're doing activities that involve focusing on objects or screens.

Head Tilting or Covering One Eye

Your little one might be squinting because they're trying to improve their focus. If you notice that your child is covering one eye or tilting their head, this could be a sign that they need glasses.

Your child may also be covering one eye because of double vision--the perception of two images when looking at an object or scene--which can occur when the eyes are misaligned (strabismus) or if you have astigmatism. In these cases, it's important to seek treatment from an optometrist as soon as possible so that you can avoid more serious problems down the road like amblyopia (lazy eye).

Frequent Headaches

If you've noticed that your child is constantly complaining about headaches, it might be time to get their eyes checked. Uncorrected vision issues can lead to eye strain, which in turn can cause headaches. It's definitely worth getting your child's eyes checked if they're consistently battling head pain.

Trouble with Schoolwork or Concentration

If your little one is struggling to keep up with their schoolwork or has trouble concentrating, it could be more than just a case of the wiggles. Difficulty seeing the board or reading text up close can lead to frustration and a lack of focus. Talk to your child's teacher about any concerns and consider scheduling an eye exam to rule out vision problems.

Family History

Like many things in life, genetics can play a role in your child's eyesight. If you or your partner wear glasses, or if there's a history of vision problems in your family (or even just one parent), your child may be more likely to need them too. Be sure to share your family's eye health history with your child's eye care professional so they can help determine whether it's time for glasses.

What's Next?

If you've noticed any of these common signs, it's time to schedule an eye exam with your child's pediatrician. By keeping an eye out for these signs, you can ensure that your child gets the help they need to see clearly and confidently. Remember: regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision throughout childhood.