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Good vision is a prerequisite for learning in school-aged children. Therefore, detecting any eye or vision problems early is important to both schoolwork and play.
Eyesight is just one component of vision. It is the ability to see objects clearly. Other aspects of vision are:
- Eye health
- Eye teaming: the ability of the eyes to work together
- Eye focusing: the ability of the eyes to focus and shift focus on near and distant points
- Eye motility: When eyes can move together to read, to directly view an object or move from one viewing area to another
- Near vision: the ability to see clearly and comfortably at 10-13 inches
- Distance vision: the ability to see clearly and comfortably beyond arm's reach
- Comprehension of what the eye sees
The following are possible symptoms of eye and vision problems in your school-age child:
- Loses place while reading
- Places head close to the book or desk when reading or writing
- Has trouble finishing written assignments
- Has difficulty remembering, identify and reproducing basic shapes
- Has difficulty with sequential concepts
- Has poor hand-eye coordination
- Displays evidence of developmental immaturity
- Has headaches, nausea and/or dizziness
- Has burning and itching eyes
- Experiences blurring of vision at any distance
- Has double vision
- Uses finger to maintain place while reading
- Omits, repeats and miscalls small words or confuses similar words
- Excessively blinks or rubs eyes
- Has difficulty remembering what was read
- Turns or tilts head to use one eye only or closes or covers one eye
- Has eyes that are crosses, turned in or out, or move independently of each other
- Has reddened, watering eyes, encrusted eyelids, frequent styes
- Dislikes or avoids close work
- Makes frequent reversals when reading or writing
- Consistently performs below potential
What to do if any of these symptoms exist:
Sometimes symptoms, such as not handing in written assignments, may mean the child is not sleeping well or there is another problem unrelated to vision. But if this behavior correlates with any other symptoms, or any single vision-related symptom exists, make an appointment to see an eye doctor. Regular eye exams, every two years, can help you be certain that your child's vision is developing normally.
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