How Do I Know When My Child's Eyesight Needs Attention?

As parents, we are always looking out for our children’s health and development. But when it comes to eyesight, vision problems are not always easy to detect. Children may not realize they are having difficulty seeing or may not know how to express it. Being aware of the signs and knowing when to schedule an eye exam is important for their overall well-being and academic success.

Common Eye Conditions in Children

Several eye conditions can affect children, and early detection is key to effective treatment. Some of the most common include:

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): A condition where one eye is weaker than the other, leading the brain to favor the stronger eye.

• Strabismus (Crossed Eyes): When the eyes do not align properly, which can affect depth perception and lead to amblyopia.

• Refractive Errors: These include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, which affect how clearly your child sees objects at different distances.

• Convergence Insufficiency: Difficulty with eye coordination when focusing on close objects, which may affect reading and learning.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Children do not always know that their vision is impaired, so it is important for parents and caregivers to be observant. Here are some common signs that may indicate your child is experiencing vision problems:

• Squinting, covering one eye, or tilting their head

• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking

• Complaints of headaches or eye strain

• Trouble concentrating or avoiding tasks that require visual focus

• Holding books or digital screens too close to their face

• Struggling with reading or falling behind in school

• Difficulty catching a ball or navigating their surroundings

These signs may vary based on your child’s age and the specific vision issue, but any of these behaviors should prompt an evaluation by an eye care professional.

The Importance of Pediatric Eye Exams

Regular pediatric eye exams are the most reliable way to detect and address vision problems early. During an exam, our eye doctors at ALPHA EYEcare ASSOCIATES, PLLC assess visual acuity, eye alignment, focusing ability, and overall eye health. Many vision conditions can be corrected or managed successfully when caught early, preventing long-term complications and helping your child reach their full potential in school, sports, and daily life.

We recommend scheduling your child’s first comprehensive eye exam around age 3 unless concerns arise earlier. After that, yearly exams help monitor any changes and ensure their eyes continue to develop properly.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Your child’s vision plays a critical role in their learning, development, and quality of life. If you notice any signs of visual difficulty or if it has been over a year since their last eye exam, now is the perfect time to take action.

Schedule your child’s eye exam at ALPHA EYEcare ASSOCIATES, PLLC and give them the clear vision they need to succeed. Visit our offices in Houston, Texas, or call (713) 721-9000 to book an appointment today.