How to tell whether your child needs glasses

As a parent, you want the best for your child, including their vision. Kids are busy exploring their surroundings, playing with their friends, and learning about the world – all while trying to adapt to the changes in their eyesight. Sometimes, children don’t even realise they’re having difficulties with their vision, making it a little trickier for parents to address them. However, by recognising tell tale signs, you can pick up on them earlier, which can make all the difference. Our optometrists have put together the most common signs your child needs glasses and what this might mean for their overall vision health.

Vision problems can impact learning

Children’s vision problems can significantly impact their learning in more ways than we may realise. It is alarming that around 25% of children start school with impaired vision, which could affect their classroom activities. When 80% of what children learn in school is taken in visually, it is crucial to identify any signs that indicate a need for glasses early on. Not being able to see clearly could result in a child struggling to understand and process information, which can put them at a disadvantage in their education and hinder their overall development. Therefore, parents and teachers must be aware of the tell-tale signs that their child may need glasses to ensure that they receive the visual support they need to succeed in school.

Signs of children’s vision problems to look out for

Here are a few signs to keep an eye out for:

· Head tilting to one side

· Covering one eye

· Frequent rubbing of the eyes

· Complaining of headaches or eye pain

· Squinting

· Sitting too close to screens

· Missing lines while reading

· Becoming generally clumsy

By being mindful of these signs and seeking help from an optometrist, you can ensure your child stays on the path to healthy eyesight.

Regular children’s eye exams are important

Ensuring your child receives routine eye tests is incredibly important for their overall health and wellbeing. During an eye test for children, specially designed charts utilise recognisable shapes and pictures to accurately assess their vision if needed so we don’t have to rely on their ability to read or recognise letters. Regular eye exams can also look at their eye health and detect any conditions that need to be addressed, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of vision problems in the future.

By prioritising these tests, you are taking an important step towards safeguarding your child’s visual health and helping them reach their full potential. In the UK, children aged 16 and under are entitled to a free NHS eye exam each year.

We always want the best for our children. So, why not take this simple step towards safeguarding your child’s vision and development? Book an eye exam at Optikal Opticians in Potters Bar, Finchley Road, or Temple Fortune today.