Signs Your Child May Have a Vision Problem

As parents, we often focus on our child’s academic performance or extracurricular success, but healthy vision plays a crucial role in both. Since children rarely realize when something is wrong with their eyesight, it’s important for parents to recognize the early signs of vision issues. At Ocean Park Optometry, we specialize in detecting and addressing vision problems early through comprehensive eye exams for kids in Santa Monica.

Frequent Squinting or Eye Rubbing

If your child squints frequently or rubs their eyes after reading or using a digital device, it could indicate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or eye strain. These behaviors often suggest the eyes are working harder than they should.

Sitting Too Close to the TV or Holding Devices Near Their Face

Children with blurry distance vision (myopia) often move closer to screens or hold books and tablets close to their eyes to see clearly. If you notice this habit, it’s time to schedule an eye exam to assess for refractive errors.

Covering One Eye or Tilting the Head

When one eye sees more clearly than the other, a child might cover the weaker eye or tilt their head to compensate. This could be a sign of amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye misalignment), both of which benefit from early detection and treatment.

Difficulty Reading or Losing Their Place

Children struggling to track words on a page may have an eye coordination or focusing problem. If reading is frustrating for your child or they avoid it altogether, their eyes might not be working together properly.

Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain

Regular complaints of headaches - especially after schoolwork or screen time - may be a sign of an underlying vision problem. These symptoms are often linked to uncorrected refractive errors or convergence insufficiency, where the eyes don’t focus together at near distances.

Short Attention Span for Visual Tasks

When reading, coloring, or completing homework becomes a struggle, poor vision could be part of the reason. Children with undiagnosed vision issues often appear inattentive or restless, which can sometimes be mistaken for behavioral issues.

Excessive Tearing or Light Sensitivity

Red, watery, or irritated eyes can be linked to vision strain or other ocular conditions. If your child frequently complains that bright lights bother them, it’s worth discussing with an eye care professional.

Why Early Eye Exams Matter

Children’s eyes change rapidly as they grow. The American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam before starting school. Routine eye exams for kids in Santa Monica help ensure your child’s vision develops correctly - supporting better performance in school, sports, and everyday life.

Experience Expert Eye Care for Kids at Ocean Park Optometry

Early detection is the key to protecting your child’s eyesight and ensuring lifelong visual health. If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with your trusted eye doctor in Santa Monica.

Schedule your child’s eye exam at Ocean Park Optometry and ensure clear and healthy vision. Contact our office in Santa Monica, California, by calling (310) 452-1039 to book an appointment today.