Many children who need glasses don’t tell their parents they are having vision problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that more than 29% of boys and 36% of girls ages 6-17 require sight correction. These statistics make it essential for families to understand the symptoms of eye problems in kids. The list below reveals the most reliable signs that eyewear is necessary. 

Top 5 Signs Kids Require Glasses 

1. Squinting 

If your child is struggling to see, they may scrunch up their eyes when reading, watching television, or playing on a tablet. In many cases, this squinting is the result of astigmatism, farsightedness, or nearsightedness. A prescription for eyeglasses will fix these conditions. 

2. Sitting Close to Screens 

When nearsightedness occurs, it is easy to see up close, but harder to make out words and objects from afar. If your child sits right in front of the television or places their phone or tablet close to their face, it’s time for an eye exam. These actions usually mean they cannot see clearly from a distance. 

3. Covering One Eye 

Putting a hand over the right or left eye could be your child’s attempt to bring their vision into focus. Some children who cover an eye repeatedly have amblyopia, or lazy eye. It is also possible that one side has more clarity than the other.

4. Headaches 

When children need to strain and squint to bring pictures and words into focus, they often experience muscle tension. Conditions like blurry vision, nearsightedness, and farsightedness can all trigger headaches. If your son or daughter is having vision problems, they may also complain about eye pain. 

5. Poor Grades 

If your little one is suddenly performing poorly in school, check their eyesight. Many kids who cannot see the computer screen or whiteboard don’t tell their teacher. As a result, they can’t view the material, which causes failing test scores or a tendency to miss homework assignments.

Your child’s vision is important, and a skilled and caring eye doctor will help them restore it. At Lieblong Eye Clinic in Russellville, AR, every appointment is customized to meet the patient’s needs. If you live in the River Valley area and would like to discuss glasses with Dr. Lieblong, call (479) 968-2020. Browse their services and the wide selection of designer frames by visiting their website. For information about their practice and to learn about eye care, follow them on Facebook.