It can be difficult to know if your child is struggling with their vision, as many children assume what they are seeing is normal and therefore don’t mention that anything is wrong. A lot of children suffer with short-sightedness, an eye condition that can result in squinting and strained vision. Short-sightedness means not being able to see objects in the distance clearly.
We value the health of children’s eyes and have a great support network available to aid in childhood development and the progression of positive vision. Here are some of the signs to watch out for if you think your child is short-sighted.
4 Signs Your Child Could Be Short-Sighted
- They Struggle to See Objects in the Distance – If your child is struggling to see things at a distance, they may be short-sighted. Being short-sighted means being able to see objects that are close, but not those that are far away.
- Objects in the Distance are Blurry – Objects that are far away are likely to appear blurred to someone who is short-sighted. If your child mentions not being able to read a sign or see an object that is further away, they may be short-sighted.
- Your Child is Squinting or Partially Closing Their Eyes – One of the major signs of a child being short-sighted is them squinting in order to see clearly.
- They Complain of Headaches – Being short-sighted means squinting and straining the eyes in order to see clearly, which can cause headaches. This is because squinting puts strain on the eyes.
Detecting Eye Conditions in Children
It can be difficult to spot eye conditions in children, as a child may not realise that their vision is not as it should be. Children tend to assume the way they see is normal, even if they are struggling. This is why regular eye examinations are recommended for children under the age of 16. To ensure eye conditions in children are detected and treated as soon as possible, we recommend annual eye tests starting from the age of four.
At Reynolds Opticians, we use a range of techniques to test a child’s eyes. We use a computerised test chart involving pictures, numbers, shapes and letters. If a child is too young to read the standard letter chart used in adult eye exams, we have other techniques on hand to help. To find out more about eye conditions in children or to book an eye examination for a child, get in touch with the Reynolds Opticians team.
