.
As an adult, it is very easy to identify when it’s time to go have a vision exam done. Blurry vision, spots, sore eyes at the beginning or end of the day… you name it, we just know when something’s not right. However, when these issues take place in your child’s body, it becomes a challenge to even identify they need a pediatric vision screening.
According to the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS), there are approximately 625,000 children with vision difficulty in the U.S. As this condition can affect their general development, long-term organ function, and school performance, it’s important for parents to catch it as soon as possible.
Our expert team at Katy Pediatric Associates conducts regular and special pediatric vision screenings to help assess your child’s vision and decide next steps. But before getting to your appointment, let’s understand the most common signs your kid has a vision problem.
Signs Your Child Needs Pediatric Vision Screenings
Physical Symptoms
Children with vision issues can squint or blink more frequently, complain of headaches or eye strain (in the case of older toddlers), suffer from red, watery or itchy eyes, or have sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia. If one of their eyes starts turning inward or outward, you should take your kid as soon as possible for a vision screening.
Behavioral Signs
If your kid is having trouble with their vision, it’s possible they start to rub their eyes excessively, covering or closing one eye while reading or watching screens, or tilting or turning their head when trying to detail something. They could also sit too close to the TV, tablets, or books
Academic Struggles
For kids that are already in school, their academic performance can give you insights on a possible eye problem. Be wary of any difficulty reading or even avoiding reading activities, losing their place when reading, using a finger to track words, complaints on words appearing blurry, or struggles with hand-eye coordination when writing or drawing.
Social and Emotional Clues
While not so direct, there are some emotional signs that could indicate vision issues in your child. For example, frustration or irritability with schoolwork, avoiding activities that require good vision and focus like puzzles, board games, sports, etc; or complaints or abnormal fatigue after doing close-up tasks.
Age-Specific Vision Problems
Problems with vision vary depending on the age of your kid and their general development, which is why pediatricians conduct these screenings in regular check-up appointments. Generally speaking, these are some of the particular issues you should keep an eye out for (no pun intended!).
Infants and Toddlers (0-3 years)
- Lack of eye contact
- Difficulty tracking moving objects
- Delay in recognizing faces or objects
- Crossed or misaligned eyes after six months of age
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
- Struggles with identifying colors or shapes
- Difficulty learning letters and numbers
- Troubles in physical movements, like catching a ball
School-Age Children (6+ years)
- Decline in academic performance
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
- Frequent mistakes when copying from the board
Your Pediatric Team in Houston, Texas
Your child should receive vision screenings whether or not they are presenting any of the symptoms described above. It’s also a space to identify potential issues and catch them on time. Your pediatrician will communicate accordingly if they determine it’s time to visit an ophthalmologist.
Our team at Katy Pediatric Associates understands how crucial and important your kid’s health is, and we are determined to not only help in their healing, but also be a source of calm and knowledge.
If you suspect your child might be suffering from an ear infection, you can schedule a consultation with Katy Pediatric Associates by calling 281-492-7676 or contacting us online.