Signs Your Child Might Have Vision Problems

Children will not always tell you when they suffer from vision problems. The way they see is all they know, and many children will assume that their vision is normal. Since it is estimated that 80% of all learning that children do is by looking at things, good vision is essential for school, interacting with other students, and self-worth. Dr. Ohde at Vision Professionals of Leawood wants parents to know the signs to watch out for when they suspect their child has vision problems.

Abnormal Eye Movements or Cross-Eyes

It is a common optometry myth that it is normal for babies to be cross-eyed. Although it is normal for newborn babies to have strange eye movements or be cross-eyed, it is not normal once they turn six months old. The baby needs to be examined by an eye doctor.

Blinking More Than Usual

Blinking is an instinctive way that people have to clear their vision. Children of all ages blink often when they have vision problems like blurring or double vision.

Rubbing Eyes More Than Usual

Another way that people try to clear their vision is to rub their eyes. It is normal for a child to rub his or her eyes a few times per day, but doing it constantly is a sign that they need a pediatric eye exam.

Contorting Head or Body

When you have trouble focusing, you tend to move around to get a better look. Children do the same thing, usually by tilting their heads or shutting one eye. They may tilt their whole body, or stick their face right up against the object they are looking at.

Squinting

When children try to focus on something, they often squint. They may do this in a rapid series, combined with blinking or rubbing their eyes.

Many Relatives Wear Glasses or Contacts

Some vision problems, like myopia, run in families. If you, your child’s siblings, or other close family members need to wear glasses or contacts, the chances are quite high that your child will also need vision correction.

Get Quality Pediatric Eye Care in Leawood, KS

Children should receive an eye exam at least once per year. If you notice the signs of a vision issue in your child between these visits, it could be time to schedule a checkup. Call our team at Vision Professionals of Leawood today at (913) 239-9446 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

Children will not always tell you when they suffer from vision problems. The way they see is all they know, and many children will assume that their vision is normal. Since it is estimated that 80% of all learning that children do is by looking at things, good vision is essential for school, interacting with other students, and self-worth. Dr. Ohde at Vision Professionals of Leawood wants parents to know the signs to watch out for when they suspect their child has vision problems.

Abnormal Eye Movements or Cross-Eyes

It is a common optometry myth that it is normal for babies to be cross-eyed. Although it is normal for newborn babies to have strange eye movements or be cross-eyed, it is not normal once they turn six months old. The baby needs to be examined by an eye doctor.

Blinking More Than Usual

Blinking is an instinctive way that people have to clear their vision. Children of all ages blink often when they have vision problems like blurring or double vision.

Rubbing Eyes More Than Usual

Another way that people try to clear their vision is to rub their eyes. It is normal for a child to rub his or her eyes a few times per day, but doing it constantly is a sign that they need a pediatric eye exam.

Contorting Head or Body

When you have trouble focusing, you tend to move around to get a better look. Children do the same thing, usually by tilting their heads or shutting one eye. They may tilt their whole body, or stick their face right up against the object they are looking at.

Squinting

When children try to focus on something, they often squint. They may do this in a rapid series, combined with blinking or rubbing their eyes.

Many Relatives Wear Glasses or Contacts

Some vision problems, like myopia, run in families. If you, your child’s siblings, or other close family members need to wear glasses or contacts, the chances are quite high that your child will also need vision correction.

Get Quality Pediatric Eye Care in Leawood, KS

Children should receive an eye exam at least once per year. If you notice the signs of a vision issue in your child between these visits, it could be time to schedule a checkup. Call our team at Vision Professionals of Leawood today at (913) 239-9446 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.

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