It’s not always easy to tell if your child is having vision problems. Children are often unaware of their own visual shortcomings, and younger children may not even have the words to describe what they’re seeing — or not seeing.
That’s problematic, since eye and vision problems are very common in school-age children. When these problems are missed, they can cause your child to have a hard time learning in school or participating in extracurricular activities.
Fortunately, there are signs and symptoms of nearsightedness (myopia) you can look out for. For example, your child:
- Holds books, a mobile phone or tablet really close to their face to be able to read
- Becomes frustrated with sports or other activities that require good distance vision
- Moves closer to a TV or computer screen so they can see better
- Frequently experiences headaches, especially after reading or doing other vision-intensive activities
- Can often be seen squinting to bring objects into visual focus
If your child is displaying these symptoms, bring them in for a pediatric eye exam as soon as possible.
What Your Pediatric Optometrist Can Do To Help
During the visit your child’s optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam to assess your child’s vision and eye health. If your child is nearsighted, the eye doctor will determine the level of correction needed to bring their vision up to par. They will then prescribe glasses or contact lenses.
Depending on the level of nearsightedness your child displays, they may only need vision correction when learning in class, during examinations, or while using a digital screen or reading.
Unfortunately, no matter how accurate their prescription is, it won’t do your child any good if they don’t find their glasses comfortable, or don’t like the way they look in them. That’s why it’s so important to help them find frames that they love.
Our friendly and professional optical team is here to help. We have a great selection of designer frames to match your child’s personal sense of style.
For more information on how to tell if your child is nearsighted, and how our eye care practice can assist, call us at or visit us in person today!
Q&A
Why is nearsightedness on the rise?
Optometrists believe that two of the main factors fueling the rise of nearsightedness are increased time performing close-up work such as reading and playing on tablets and smartphones, and reduced time outdoors. Studies are underway to determine exactly why ‘near work’ and spending less than 2 hours a day outdoors are linked to nearsightedness and its pgrogression.
When does nearsightedness begin?
Nearsightedness tends to begin in children around 6-14 years old, but can begin much earlier. Unless nearsightedness is managed, it tends to progress throughout a child’s teenage years, and usually stabilizes in their early 20s. This visual instability is the reason corrective surgeries such as LASIK are not offered to children.