Signs Your Child Might Have Vision Problems

Vision is an important part of children’s development. Much of what they learn about the world they will get through their vision. Making sure they are seeing as clearly as possible is an important job for parents. Regular vision tests and eye care can help identify vision problems for kids. At Andrew Stone Optometry in Columbia, MO, we provide pediatric eye exams to monitor children for vision problems.

Eye Exams for Kids

Your kids should have their eyes examined at birth and then sometime in their first year. If your child has vision problems, some may be diagnosed early, but others won't be evident yet. As a parent, you have to be on the lookout for signs that your kids might have vision problems. By the time your children are about three and a half years old, they should be checked for the clarity of their vision, and by age five, the alignment of their eyes. This is all assuming that you haven't noticed any signs that indicate vision problems.

Signs You May Observe

As a parent, you know your child the best, and it is likely you will notice the first signs that your kid has vision issues. Be on the lookout for:

• Inability to focus
• Not being able to follow an object
• A lot of eye rubbing
• Sensitivity to light
• Eyes not aligned correctly
• Redness of the eyes
• Excessive tearing
• The pupil is white, not black

All the above are for young children and can be indicative of vision problems. Once they are school-aged, you should be looking for:

• A child who sits close to the TV
• Has trouble reading
• Can't read the blackboard at school
• Squints
• Can't see an object that is far away
• Tilting the head
• Headaches
• Covers one eye
• Inordinate clumsiness

Schedule an Appointment for Pediatric Eye Care in Columbia, MO

If you see any of these vision problems in your child, we can help. At Andrew Stone Optometry in Columbia, MO, our experts will educate you on vision problems for kids. We provide eye exams to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy. Call us today to schedule an appointment.