As parents, we all want our children to thrive in every aspect of their lives, from excelling in school to enjoying playtime with friends. But what if something as simple as poor vision is holding them back? Vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids may not realise that what they see isn’t normal. That’s why understanding the signs your child might need a pediatric eye exam is so important.
Your Child’s Vision and Their World
Did you know that up to 80% of learning is visual? A child with undetected vision problems may struggle to read, write, or even play sports. Often, these children are labelled as inattentive or lazy when the real issue is something as treatable as a vision disorder. Regular pediatric eye exams ensure that your child’s vision is on track, setting them up for success at home, in the classroom, and beyond.
Does your child complain about words on the page looking blurry or moving around? Maybe they lose their place often while reading or skip words entirely. This could be a sign of convergence insufficiency or other focusing issues. Children with such challenges may avoid reading altogether, preferring activities that don’t strain their eyes.
Sitting Too Close to Screens
If your child is glued to the TV or holds tablets and phones unusually close to their face, they might be struggling to see clearly. This behaviour often signals nearsightedness (myopia), which has become increasingly common in kids, especially with the rise of screen time and reduced outdoor activities.
Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
Persistent headaches, particularly around the eyes and forehead, can point to uncorrected vision issues. Children may also rub their eyes often or complain of tired eyes after reading or using a computer. This discomfort is often due to unaddressed refractive errors or even early digital eye strain.
Squinting or Covering One Eye
Kids might squint or close one eye when trying to focus on distant objects or even while reading. Sometimes, they tilt their head to see better. These behaviours can indicate an issue with eye alignment or a condition called amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye.
Trouble with Hand-Eye Coordination
If your child has difficulty catching balls, stacking blocks, or other tasks requiring precise hand-eye coordination, vision problems may be the culprit. Poor depth perception caused by misaligned eyes or undiagnosed visual issues can make these activities challenging.
Complaints About Blurred or Double Vision
While some children may not vocalise their struggles, others might directly tell you that things look blurry or they’re seeing double. These symptoms could point to astigmatism or binocular vision issues, both of which are treatable with the right intervention.
Avoiding Activities They Once Enjoyed
Is your child suddenly less enthusiastic about drawing, reading, or playing games that require focus? Avoidance can be a coping mechanism for undetected vision issues. Keep an eye out for this subtle yet significant behavioural change.
Redness, Tearing, or Sensitivity to Light
Frequent redness, excessive tearing, or complaints of discomfort in bright light can signal eye health issues such as allergies, infections, or underlying vision conditions. These symptoms should never be ignored.
When to Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam
While vision screenings at schools and regular check-ups with your GP are helpful, they’re no substitute for a comprehensive eye test. We recommend booking your child’s first detailed eye exam at age three and another before starting school. After that, annual tests are ideal to monitor any changes as they grow.
What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?
A child-friendly optometrist will evaluate much more than your child’s ability to see clearly. The exam typically includes:
Visual Acuity Test: Checking how well your child sees at different distances.
Eye Movement Assessment: Ensuring both eyes work together seamlessly.
Refraction Test: Measuring the need for glasses or lenses.
Health Check: Looking for signs of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal issues.
These tests are painless and tailored to your child’s age and comfort level.
How Clear Vision Impacts Their Future
Clear vision is about more than just seeing the board in class; it builds confidence, aids development, and enhances overall quality of life. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent long-term complications and ensure your child reaches their full potential.
FAQs About Pediatric Eye Exams
1. How can I tell if my child needs glasses?
Look for signs like squinting, sitting close to screens, or frequent complaints about blurry vision. An eye test will provide a clear answer.
2. Are school vision screenings enough?
School screenings are helpful but limited. They focus on basic visual acuity and may miss more complex issues like lazy eye or binocular vision disorders.
3. How can I help my child adjust to glasses?
Choose frames they love and ensure a comfortable fit. Encourage them to wear glasses consistently by rewarding their efforts and explaining the benefits of clear vision.
4. Are eye exams covered by Medicare?
Yes, in Australia, many pediatric eye exams are bulk-billed, making it easy to access high-quality care.
Don’t let vision problems hold your child back. Book an eye test today with our experienced team and give them the gift of clear sight and confidence.