Most people don’t consider trips to the eye doctor as a remedy for their child’s problems at school. The need for eyeglasses can trigger the same symptoms as those who have ADHD. Help ensure your child’s success at school by recognizing the signs of when an eye exam is in order. 

3 Indications Your Child Requires Eyeglasses

1. Squinting

Your child’s brain triggers the squinting reflex to see better; squinting decreased the about of light that enters the lens and changes the shape of the eye, helping them see better. A wide variety of vision problems can prompt squinting, including nearsighted vision or eyes that are out of alignment.

While it may temporarily help, squinting will do more harm than good. It won’t damage your vision, but it causes headaches if done too often. A better solution for squinting is to see an eye doctor for an exam to diagnose your child’s vision problem.

2. Problems Concentrating in School

It’s hard to read the chalkboard from the back of the class with bad vision. A teacher’s observations are invaluable when discerning your child’s vision problems. Comments regarding their inability or refusal to read from textbooks and issues concentrating are symptoms of bad eyesight.

Poor vision lowers essential classroom skills, including reading comprehension, handwriting, and understanding mathematical concepts. Some children are misdiagnosed with ADHD when displaying these symptoms, so verify their visual performance before pursuing more drastic treatment. 

3. Headaches

Eye strain is a common occurrence for children after a long day at school; it leads to headaches and eye pain. Since many aren’t caused by vision problems, it’s essential to know what kinds are associated with eyesight.

Farsighted conditions can cause headaches because the eyes have to work harder to focus on words or objects. Children with strabismus can also experience these; it is caused by an imbalance in the eye muscles. When the eyes don’t line up together, one eye becomes dominant, and the other has problems focusing.

If you think your child needs eyeglasses, contact Eric G. Stocker, OD in Amherst, OH. They have provided the Lorain County area with quality eye care for over 30 years. Dr. Stocker has a wide array of vision care options for the entire family, including contact lenses and glasses. Visit their website for a look at eyewear or call them at (440) 988-4419.