Over 10 million kids in the US have undetected vision problems which interfere with their learning and everyday activities. Considering the fact that close to 80% of what a child learns is received visually, it’s really important that parents catch early signs of vision problems.
To help determine whether it’s time to take your child for their first eye exam, and potentially first pair of eyeglasses, Marc Weinstein, leading optometrist and co-founder of 39DollarGlasses.com put together some of the most important tell tale signs and symptoms of when your child might need to be tested for glasses.
1. Squinting
This can prove that your child may be nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism
2. Constantly Rubbing Eyes
If a child is excessively rubbing his/her eyes it could be a result of eyestrain
3. Closing or Covering One Eye While Reading or Watching Television
If a child has trouble seeing they may cover or close their eye to help adjust their vision
4. Losing Place While Reading (Or Disliking Reading/Having a Lower Attention Span)
Skipping lines or losing place could indicate vision problems
5. Sitting Closely To The Television
Typically this is a sign of nearsightedness. Nearsightedness (Myopia), as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred.
Hope this helps, parents! Good luck!