Good eyesight plays a major role in your child’s learning and social development. Here, your expert pediatric optometrist from Southwest Vision Center shares four hidden signs of potential vision problems in kids that every parent should be aware of:

1. Your Child Often Tilts Their Head to the Side

If you notice your child frequently tilting their head, this could be indicative of a vision error like astigmatism. This refractive error develops when your child’s cornea or lens becomes irregularly shaped, causing blurred eyesight when doing close- and far-range tasks. We may recommend toric lenses to improve your child’s visual acuity.

2. Your Child Refuses to Participate in Close- or Far-Range Activities

Farsightedness (hyperopia) results in blurred close-range vision but clear far-range vision, while nearsightedness (myopia) leads to blurred far-range vision but clear near-range vision. Your trusted children’s eye doctor explains that these are refractive errors that commonly develop during childhood, and can be corrected by wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.

3. Your Child Is Often Irritable

Children with vision problems usually have short attention spans, especially when they are required to use their eyes for long periods of time on tasks like reading or homework. If your child has an underlying vision error, they’re likely exerting greater efforts to offset the visual impairment, which can cause fatigue and irritability.

4. Your Child Frequently Loses Their Place When Reading

If your child has trouble focusing when reading or staying on track, they may have an eyesight problem. Vision screenings for preschool and school-aged kids are usually required to ensure their visual development is on track. We also recommend having them undergo a comprehensive eye exam to help in the early detection of vision problems, so we can provide prompt treatment and improve their quality of life.

If you notice your child exhibiting any of these symptoms, call us immediately at (269) 241-0031 for Edwardsburg, (269) 241-0032 for Three Rivers, and (269) 241-0033 for Buchanan. We look forward to helping you and your family achieve clear eyesight.