Good vision is essential for a child’s learning and development, yet children often don’t realize when their eyesight is impaired. Since vision issues can affect school performance, behavior, and overall confidence, it’s important for parents to know what signs to watch for. If you notice any of the following nine signs, it may be time to schedule an eye exam for your child.
 

1. Frequent Squinting

Squinting is a common sign that your child is having trouble focusing. Children may squint to temporarily improve blurry vision, which could signal nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
 

2. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Close

If your child consistently sits very close to the TV, holds a tablet a few inches from their face, or brings books extremely close when reading, it could mean they are struggling to see clearly.
 

3. Covering One Eye or Tilting the Head

Children sometimes cover one eye or tilt their head to compensate for double vision or imbalance between their eyes. This behavior could point to a condition such as lazy eye (amblyopia) or eye muscle issues.
 

4. Frequent Eye Rubbing

Occasional eye rubbing is normal, but if your child rubs their eyes often - even when they are not tired - it may indicate eye strain, allergies, or vision problems.
 

5. Complaints of Headaches or Eye Pain

Frequent headaches, especially after reading, using digital devices, or doing homework, can be a sign of eye strain or an undiagnosed vision condition.
 

6. Difficulty Paying Attention in School

Children who struggle to see the board, follow along in books, or process visual information may appear inattentive or distracted. Sometimes, vision problems are mistaken for learning or behavioral issues.
 

7. Trouble with Reading

Skipping lines, losing their place, or using a finger to track words may suggest a vision-related issue. Eye exams can help identify whether the problem is related to eyesight rather than reading ability alone.
 

8. Excessive Tears or Sensitivity to Light

If your child frequently complains about bright lights, or if their eyes water excessively, it may be related to underlying vision issues or other eye conditions.
 

9. Clumsiness or Poor Hand-Eye Coordination

If your child frequently bumps into objects, struggles with catching a ball, or has difficulty coordinating movement, it could be due to vision problems affecting depth perception.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Because children don’t always recognize when they have a vision problem, parents need to watch closely for these signs. Early detection and treatment can prevent long-term vision issues and support your child’s success in school and beyond.

At Today’s Vision, we provide comprehensive eye care for children of all ages. Schedule an appointment to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy and their vision is ready to support their growth and learning.  Visit our office in Laguna Niguel, California, or call (949) 518-0055 today.