Children’s eyes get a bit of a break during the summer with less time spent in the classroom. The increased visual demands of the new school year sometimes reveal issues that weren’t apparent over the summer break.
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are the most common issues among school-age children. But other problems also can exist, including misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), reduced vision in one eye (amblyopia or ‘lazy eye’), color vision problems and a variety of others.
Be aware and let us know if you witness your child doing any of the following, as they are signs of a potential issue:
- Squinting
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close
- Frequently losing place when reading or using a finger as a guide
- Closing one eye when reading
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing
- Avoiding reading or computer use
- Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
According to Prevent Blindness America, one in four children has a vision problem that, if left untreated, can affect learning. So if you suspect your child is having vision problems, it’s important to schedule an eye exam.
* Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos/Stoonn