7 Signs Your Child Has Eye Issues and What to Do About It
As a parent, it can be worrisome to think about your child having eye issues. You want the best for them, no matter what. As such, it’s important to pay attention to potential signs of eye problems in order to address them early on. Here are seven signs that your child may have an issue with their eyes and what steps you should take to address them.
Squinting or Frequent Blinking
If you notice your child squinting or blinking frequently, it could be a sign that they are struggling to see clearly. This can happen when a child is trying to focus their vision or if they have an underlying eye condition such as nearsightedness or astigmatism.
To determine how long this has been happening, it’s important to observe your child’s behavior and ask them questions. If they have only recently started squinting or blinking frequently, it could be a sign of an issue that needs to be addressed. However, if they have been doing it for a while but you just noticed, it’s possible that their vision may have changed and they need a new prescription for glasses. Whether it’s been happening for a while or newly-developed, it’s a good idea to consult an eye doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
What to Do
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They will be able to determine if your child needs glasses or if there is another underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Don’t be afraid to tell your child what they will experience at the eye doctor’s office, and reassure them that this is for their benefit.
Holding Objects Close to Their Face
If your child holds books, toys, or other objects very close to their face while using them, it could be a sign that they have trouble seeing things from a distance. This can also happen if your child has trouble focusing their eyes or if they have poor depth perception.
What to Do
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to have your child’s eyes examined. They will be able to determine if your child needs corrective lenses or if there is another underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If glasses are recommended, make sure your child understands the importance of wearing them and encourage them to practice good habits for maintaining healthy vision.
Frequently Rubbing or Touching Their Eyes
If your child is rubbing or touching their eyes frequently, it could be a sign of eye strain or fatigue. This can happen if your child spends a lot of time looking at screens or while doing activities that require intense focus, such as reading, writing, or using electronic devices such as TVs and tablets.
What to Do
Limit your child’s screen time and encourage breaks when doing activities that require intense focus. If the rubbing or touching persists, schedule an eye exam to rule out any underlying issues.
Difficulty Reading or Learning
If your child is having trouble reading or learning, it could be due to an undiagnosed vision problem. This can include difficulty with tracking words while reading, losing their place frequently, or struggling to recognize letters and numbers.
What to Do
Scheduling eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to determine if your child has a vision problem that is impacting their learning. With proper treatment, their performance in school and other activities can greatly improve.
Complaining of Headaches or Eye Fatigue
If your child frequently complains of headaches or eye fatigue, it could be a sign of an underlying vision issue. This can happen when the eyes have to work harder than usual to focus, resulting in strain and discomfort.
What to Do
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. They will be able to determine if your child needs glasses or if there is another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
One Eye Turns Inward or Outward
If you notice your child’s eyes not aligning properly, with one eye turning inward or outward, it could be a sign of strabismus. This condition can cause double vision and may lead to other issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye) if left untreated.
What to Do
Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early treatment is crucial in correcting strabismus and preventing further complications.
Treatment for amblyopia depends on the underlying causes and severity of the condition. In most cases, it involves correcting any refractive errors with glasses or contact lenses and using an eye patch or drops to encourage the weaker eye to strengthen and improve vision. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to straighten the alignment of the eyes. It’s important to follow through with the recommended treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome for your child’s vision.
Family History of Eye Issues
If you or your partner have a family history of eye problems, it is important to monitor your child’s vision closely. Some eye conditions are hereditary and can be passed down to children.
What to Do
Inform your child’s pediatrician and schedule regular eye exams for your child to catch any potential issues early on. If necessary, follow the recommended treatment plan from an eye doctor. Bear in mind that any eye issues you or any relatives may have could be passed down, so try not to panic.
Every parent should be aware of these seven signs that their child may have an issue with their eyes. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve a child’s vision and prevent further complications. If you notice any of these signs in your child, do not hesitate to schedule an eye exam with a qualified eye doctor. Remember, regular eye exams are especially important for children without any apparent vision problems as they can help detect issues that may not be noticeable yet. Taking care of your child’s eyes is vital for their overall health and well-being. Good luck!
By Dixie Somers / Freelance Writer
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.
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