Clear Signs Your Child Needs an Eye Exam

Clear Signs Your Child Needs an Eye Exam

Vision is a vital component in a child’s physical development, cognition, and learning. According to the U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI), up to 80% of the information children acquire from their surroundings is processed through vision. Early detection of vision issues not only impacts clarity but also affects learning outcomes, social interaction, and mental health.

However, young children are often unable to clearly express their visual difficulties. Recognizing early warning signs becomes a critical role for parents and teachers.

1. Common Early Warning Signs of Vision Problems

• Frequent squinting when looking far: A typical sign of nearsightedness. Squinting helps reduce light dispersion, improving clarity.
• Sitting too close to screens or bending too low over books: Indicates possible undetected nearsightedness or astigmatism. This habit may strain eyes and accelerate refractive errors.
• Frequent eye rubbing: May signal eye fatigue, dryness, or discomfort. Constant rubbing may scratch the cornea and impact vision.
• Skipping lines or words while reading: May indicate astigmatism, visual tracking disorders, or amblyopia. Sometimes linked with mild strabismus.
• Tilting the head while reading: Indicates dominant-eye behavior, often seen in amblyopia or strabismus. Needs timely correction.
• Light sensitivity or excessive blinking: Suggests accommodative dysfunction or corneal issues. Should be assessed by an eye care professional.
• Preferring to sit alone while studying: May stem from poor distance vision. Impacts child’s confidence and school performance.

2. Don’t Confuse with Personality

Shyness, laziness, sleepiness, or disinterest may actually stem from uncorrected vision problems. Children can’t express it like adults do. Observe how your child behaves while reading, watching TV, or interacting in class or during activities.

3. Global Statistics You Should Know

In Vietnam, the Ministry of Health reports that the rate of myopia in urban schoolchildren can reach up to 40–50%, especially in the 10–15 age group. Unfortunately, many cases are detected late and may develop into irreversible amblyopia.

4. How Often Should Children Have Eye Exams?

• Under 3 years: Basic screening if at risk (e.g., premature birth, family history)
• 3–5 years: At least one comprehensive eye exam
• 6+ years: Annual exams recommended, especially in elementary and middle school

5. Modern Eye Care Solutions at TD Eye

• High-precision prescription glasses: Using advanced devices and child-specific subjective assessment.
• Visual training and accommodative therapy: Supports visual endurance in children with amblyopia, fatigue, or accommodative issues.
• Strabismus therapy: Binocular vision exercises to improve eye coordination.
• Phakic ICL surgery (18+): An implantable lens that doesn’t damage the cornea or cause dry eyes. Ideal for thin corneas or LASIK-ineligible cases.

6. Final Thoughts

Between ages 4 and 8 lies the “golden period” for visual development. Missing subtle signs can lead to long-term visual impairment.

Just 30 minutes per year for an eye exam could make a huge difference in your child’s academic path and life quality.

TD Eye – Partnering in school vision health. Helping children thrive, grow confident, and see the world clearly every day.