Good vision helps children read, learn and play, yet many children with a vision problem never mention it. They simply assume that blurry is normal. That is why it helps to know the small signs that something may be wrong.
Everyday clues to look out for
- Squinting, or closing or covering one eye to look at things
- Rubbing their eyes a lot, even when they are not tired
- Sitting very close to the TV or holding books and tablets close to their face
- Tilting their head to one side to look at something
- Losing their place when reading, or avoiding reading and close-up games
- Complaining of headaches or sore eyes after school
- An eye that seems to turn in or out
None of these signs means your child definitely needs glasses, but each one is a good reason to book an eye test. If a teacher mentions that your child struggles to see the board, book one too.
What happens at a child’s eye test
Children do not need to know their letters. Optometrists use pictures, shapes, lights and simple games to check how well each eye sees and how the eyes work together. Some tests use eye drops that widen the pupils for a while, and your optometrist will explain this before they start.
Making the first visit easy
- Book a time of day when your child is usually rested and fed
- Explain that the optometrist will shine a light and show some pictures, and that nothing goes in the eye without telling them first
- Bring any glasses your child already has, and tell the optometrist about family members who wore glasses young
- Let your child choose their own frames if they need glasses: they are far more likely to wear them
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your optometrist can tell you what is right for your eyes.