Children rarely complain when their vision isn’t perfect – they simply adapt. Yet subtle clues often tell another story. Squinting at the television, sitting inches from a tablet screen, rubbing tired eyes or mentioning headaches are all signals that something may be amiss. And the numbers back this up: more than one in three children and teenagers worldwide are now short-sighted, with cases of nearsightedness projected to rise to more than 740 million globally by 2050, research from the British Journal of Ophthalmology shows.
Despite growing awareness, many parents remain unsure how best to respond. Part of the confusion lies in vision screening. Not all areas of the US offer routine child vision checks, and where they do, screening usually happens only once – at around four to five years old. This means many cases of myopia and other conditions may be missed.
In this article, we explore how to spot the signs of potential sight problems in your child – and the steps you can take to protect their vision.
Why is it important to spot issues early?
Nearsightedness, which often develops after the age of five, is the most common condition to affect children’s vision. The consequences reach far beyond the classroom. Even mild myopia can increase the risk of serious eye problems later in life, including retinal detachment, cataracts and glaucoma.
In the here and now, the effects on learning are clear. A child who cannot see the whiteboard may miss vital details, struggle to follow lessons and find it harder to stay engaged. Over time, this can chip away at their confidence, concentration and enjoyment of school – both academically and socially.
The sooner issues are identified, the better the outcome. Poor eyesight is often mistaken for behavioral or learning difficulties, especially in younger children who may not know how to describe what they’re experiencing. Regular eye exams mean problems are detected and treated before they begin to hold your child back.
Signs your child may need an eye exam
Children rarely complain about vision problems, which is why regular eye exams – at least every two years – are essential. Keep an eye out for:
-
Squinting, tilting their head or closing one eye to see clearly
-
Rubbing their eyes frequently or showing sensitivity to light
-
Losing their place while reading or using a finger to follow the words
-
Complaints of headaches, tired eyes or eye strain
-
Sitting unusually close to the TV or holding books very close
-
Avoiding activities that require near or distance vision, like reading or sports
-
Misalignment of the eyes or a noticeable ‘turn’
-
A white reflex in photographs – unlike red-eye, this is serious and needs urgent medical attention
Common eye conditions
Children’s eyes are constantly developing, and a range of common conditions can affect their vision – knowing what to look out for and how they’re treated can make all the difference.
Nearsightedness (myopia)
Condition: myopia occurs when distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It usually develops in childhood and can progress over time. Children may squint, sit too close to the TV or struggle to see the whiteboard at school.
Solution: myopia can be corrected with eye glasses, contact lenses, or in some cases, orthokeratology (special night-time lenses) and lifestyle adjustments such as spending more time outdoors.
Far-sightedness (hypermetropia)
Condition: hypermetropia is when close objects appear blurry, while distance vision is less affected. Young children often compensate by squinting or straining their eyes, which can lead to headaches or tiredness.
Solution: mild hypermetropia may not require treatment, but stronger cases can be corrected with eye glasses or contact lenses to help the eyes focus comfortably.
Squint (strabismus)
Condition: a squint occurs when the eyes do not align properly, meaning one eye may turn in, out, up or down. This can affect depth perception and, if left untreated, may lead to amblyopia (lazy eye).
Solution: treatment options include eye glasses, eye exercises, patching the stronger eye or surgery to realign the eyes.
Astigmatism
Condition: astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, leading to blurred or distorted vision at all distances. Children may squint, tilt their head or rub their eyes frequently.
Solution: the condition can be corrected with eye glasses or contact lenses, and regular eye checks ensure the prescription is kept up to date as the child grows.
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Condition: amblyopia is reduced vision in one eye, often developing in early childhood if the brain favors the stronger eye. It can result from a squint, unequal refractive errors or other eye conditions. Early detection is crucial.
Solution: treatment may involve patching the stronger eye, using corrective lenses or vision therapy exercises to strengthen the weaker eye.
Why an eye exam is more than a check-up
An eye exam is not just about reading letters on a board. Optometrists use a variety of gentle assessments to build a complete picture of your child’s eye health, from checking how their eyes work together to examining the back of the eye.
Tests are simple, painless and often feel like a game. We explain everything you need to know about children’s eye exams in more detail in this article.
What happens during a child’s eye test?
-
Red reflex test: a light is shone into the eyes to check for abnormalities, such as a white reflex.
-
Pupil reflex test: measures how pupils react to light to ensure healthy eye function.
-
Attention to visual objects: babies and young children may be shown objects or pictures to see if their eyes follow them.
-
Snellen or LogMAR charts: older children read letters, numbers or match symbols to assess visual acuity.
-
Range of movement tests: eyes are tracked as they follow an object in eight directions to check muscle function.
-
Refraction test: determines whether your child needs eye glasses and the correct prescription. Eye drops may be used to widen the pupils for a clearer assessment.
-
Color vision test: older children may take an Ishihara test to identify color blindness.
Healthy vision – confident kids
Healthy eyes open up a world of possibilities. Spotting the signs early, getting an eye exam and considering simple solutions like eye glasses or daily disposable contact lenses can help your child feel confident, capable and ready to thrive – both in and out of the classroom. Discover more about daysoft daily disposable contact lenses and how they can support your child’s vision and confidence.
