How to Recognise Your Child Has an Eyesight Problem

No one wishes their child to have any kind of struggle in life, but sight problems, while fairly common in children, can be overcome. Monitoring your child’s sight can be a lot easier than you think and can help prevent their discomfort and promote their enjoyment.

Eighty percent of what children learn comes from what they visually experience so it’s vital to keep their eyes in tip top condition. Even if your child doesn’t seem to suffering at school, it’s best to double check and have children tested anyway.

Common Problems

Most children from the age of three should be taken for eye tests every two years at a minimum. Luckily all children receive free eye tests in the UK until the age of 18 when they leave full time education. This means no excuses for missing them.

Spotting the Signs

If you notice your little girl or boy doing the following, it’s time for an extra check up and possible glasses fitting:

• Holding books and pictures too close to their face.
• Sitting too close to the TV.
• Using a finger to follow along whilst reading.
• Constant squinting (especially if faced with reading).
• Moving their head to the side when trying to see something.
• Rubbing his or her eyes a lot.
• Being sensitive to light.
• Headaches.
• Being extra teary.
• Closes one eye when focusing.
• Avoids activities with focus involved i.e. reading, homework, IT, sports etc.
• Complains that their eyes hurt.
• School grades drop.

Most eyesight problems are easy to treat and shouldn’t be a problem for long.  The biggest problem most mothers find is getting their child to actually wear the glasses that are prescribed. First they want the pricey ones or the armani sunglasses that mum wears.

Second, kids can have a tough time getting used to them as it can make them feel different.

It might be worth introducing the glasses when your child is relaxed and doing something fun at first. If they complain, then it might be worth checking that they aren’t pinching or being uncomfortable.  Next it’s best to tailor glasses into your child’s daily routine. Remain firm if they remove them and pop the glasses back on straight away. Don’t have any arguments about it; these are for their own good and one day they will wear them without a care.

Have you spotted your child having any of the problems above? I’d love to hear your stories.

About the Author

Gavin Harvey is a personal trainer with a passion for travel.  An avid blogger, he currently writes for Valley Optics.