Is Your Child Struggling to See? Signs of a Vision Problem Parents Should Know
Children experience the world through their eyes. Clear, comfortable vision helps them recognize faces, explore their surroundings, read, write, play sports and participate in the classroom. Yet children do not always know when their vision is different from what it should be. A child who has never seen clearly may assume everyone sees the same way.
That is why parents, caregivers, teachers and pediatricians play such an important role in recognizing possible signs of a vision concern.
Vision and Learning Often Go Hand in Hand
School places significant demands on a child’s visual system. Students shift their focus between books, worksheets, tablets and the front of the classroom throughout the day. When seeing clearly is difficult or uncomfortable, a child may appear distracted, lose interest in reading or avoid close-up work.
A vision problem is not the only possible reason for learning or attention difficulties, but it is an important factor to consider. Identifying and addressing an eye or vision concern can remove an unnecessary obstacle and help a child participate more confidently.
Signs Parents and Teachers May Notice
Every child is different, and some children with eye conditions show few obvious symptoms. However, behaviors that may warrant attention include:
- Frequent squinting
- Closing or covering one eye
- Tilting or turning the head to see
- Sitting very close to the television or computer
- Holding books, tablets or other objects unusually close
- Complaining of headaches, tired eyes or blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- An eye that turns inward, outward, upward or downward
- Unusual sensitivity to light
- A white or unusual-looking reflection in the pupil in photographs
These signs do not automatically mean that a child has a serious eye condition. They do, however, provide a good reason to speak with an eye care professional.
Amblyopia: A Condition That Can Be Easy to Miss
Amblyopia is commonly called “lazy eye,” although that name can be misleading. It occurs when vision does not develop normally in one or, less commonly, both eyes because the brain is not receiving or using a clear image.
Possible causes include a difference in prescription between the two eyes, eye misalignment known as strabismus, or something that blocks a clear image from reaching the eye during early development. Because the stronger eye may compensate, children often do not complain and families may not realize there is a problem.
Early detection is particularly important because the connections between a child’s eyes and brain are still developing. This creates a valuable window in which treatment may strengthen vision and help prevent lasting vision loss. Depending on the cause, treatment may include glasses, patching, eye drops, surgery or a combination recommended by the child’s physician.
Strabismus: When the Eyes Do Not Align
Strabismus occurs when the eyes do not point in the same direction. One eye may turn inward, outward, upward or downward. The misalignment may be constant or intermittent and can become more noticeable when a child is tired or ill.
Some babies may appear cross-eyed because of the shape of the bridge of the nose or skin around the eyes. A pediatric ophthalmologist can determine whether the eyes are truly misaligned and whether treatment is needed. Strabismus should be evaluated because it can interfere with how the eyes work together and may contribute to amblyopia.
Vision Screening and Complete Eye Examinations
Routine screening through a pediatrician, family doctor or school program is an important part of children’s health care. Screening can identify children who may need further evaluation, but it does not replace a complete eye examination.
If a child does not pass a screening, families should follow the recommended referral. Parents may also contact an eye care professional directly if they notice concerning visual behavior, eye misalignment or another change. A strong family history of eye disease is another reason to discuss whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Specialized Pediatric Eye Care in Northwest Montana
Glacier Eye Clinic’s pediatric ophthalmology team is led by Dr. Gus Stein, one of only four fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologists in Montana. The clinic provides a full spectrum of pediatric eye care, including vision checks, care for premature infants, tear duct concerns, amblyopia, strabismus, pediatric cataracts, lid and orbit disease, inflammation, neuro-ophthalmic conditions and retinal disease.
If you are concerned about your child’s vision, eye alignment or visual behavior, you do not have to wait for your child to describe the problem. Trust what you are observing and ask for guidance.
To learn more or schedule an appointment with Glacier Eye Clinic call 406-257-2020.