If you’ve been putting off getting your child their first pair of glasses, don’t. If your child’s eyes are starting to cross over or move inward or outward when focusing on something close-up, they could be at risk for vision problems later in life.
Eyeglasses for kids can help correct these eye issues and prevent them from getting worse. Dr David Stager will discuss the signs that indicate it may be time to buy your kid his or her first pair of specs.
Eyes Crossing Over
Crossing over is when the eyes move from side to side. This can be a sign of a vision problem, and your child may need to wear eyeglasses for good sight. So if your child crosses his/her eyes, it could be due to lazy eye (amblyopia). If this happens often and does not go away, then have him/her checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist for further evaluation.
Eyes Moving Inward Or Outward When Focusing
If your child has difficulty focusing on close objects, it could be because of an eye muscle imbalance. This can cause the eyes to move in different directions when focusing on something up close, like reading or writing.
The eyes of your child should move together when focusing on something close-up. And if they don’t, you may need to consult an optometrist about getting your child fitted with prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Difficulty Keeping Their Eyes Still Or Keeping Their Head Steady
If your child has difficulty keeping their eyes still while reading, or even keeping their head steady while looking up and down at something, then it could be a sign that they need glasses.
The eyes of your kid should be able to move smoothly and easily in any direction. If not, then Dr David Stager recommends that you have them checked out by an optometrist or ophthalmologist (an eye doctor).
Blurred Vision
If your child’s eyesight is blurry, it could be a sign of nearsightedness or farsightedness. But blurry vision can also indicate cataracts (clouding of the lens), astigmatism (a curvature of the cornea or lens), eye muscle imbalance, and other issues. If you notice your child squinting or rubbing their eyes often, it might be time to get them checked out by an eye doctor.
Squinting, Blinking, Rubbing, Or Closing One Eye
If your child squints when looking at something in the distance, it may be because they have trouble focusing on that object. This is usually caused by an imbalance between the two eyes’ muscles. In some cases, this can lead to a loss of vision if left untreated over time. If you notice this behavior in your young ones, get them to see an optometrist as soon as possible!
Wearing Eyeglasses Can Help Your Children See Better
If your child has been diagnosed with a vision impairment, they may be able to benefit from wearing the most suitable glasses or contacts. A good pair of eyeglasses will help improve their ability to see clearly at all distances – from far away objects like signs on the street corner or small details up close like letters on a class page.
