Signs of Eye Problems in Children

As parents and caregivers, we do everything in our power to ensure our children grow up healthy and strong. We monitor their diet, sleep patterns, behaviour, and school performance. But one area that’s often overlooked is their vision. Since young children often can’t articulate what they see or don’t see, it’s easy for eye problems to go unnoticed.

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Good vision is crucial for a child’s development, learning, and overall well-being. According to the American Optometric Association, one in four children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can interfere with learning and behaviour. Catching these problems early can prevent long-term issues, both physically and academically.

This blog will walk you through the warning signs of eyesight problems in children, highlight age-appropriate vision milestones, and offer guidance on when to seek professional help.

Why Early Detection Matters

Children’s eyes are still developing well into their teenage years, making early detection of vision issues especially important. During this developmental period, the brain and eyes learn to work together, forming the foundation for clear, coordinated vision. If eye problems go untreated, they can interfere with this process and result in permanent vision loss, particularly in conditions like amblyopia, also known as “lazy eye.” Amblyopia occurs when the brain starts to ignore input from one eye, leading to poor vision that cannot be corrected later in life if not addressed early. Vision problems can also hinder a child’s ability to develop essential motor skills, such as hand-eye coordination and balance. In the classroom, undiagnosed vision issues may impact reading, writing, and attention span, often being mistaken for learning disabilities or behavioural disorders. Some children misdiagnosed with ADHD are simply struggling to see clearly. Recognising and treating eye problems early not only protects a child’s vision but also supports their academic, emotional, and social development.

Early detection and treatment are key, and it all begins with knowing what to look for.

Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children

1. Frequent Eye Rubbing

While occasional eye rubbing is normal, constant or excessive rubbing may indicate eye fatigue, allergies, or even a refractive error like nearsightedness or astigmatism.

2. Squinting or Tilting the Head

Children with poor eyesight often squint to try to see more clearly. Tilting the head might be a way to compensate for double vision or misalignment of the eyes (strabismus).

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3. Covering One Eye

If your child frequently covers one eye, it might suggest that one eye sees significantly better than the other. This can be a sign of amblyopia, where the brain favours one eye over the other.

4. Holding Books or Screens Too Close

If your child prefers to sit close to the TV or holds a book inches from their face, they might be nearsighted (myopic) and unable to see clearly at a distance.

5. Complaints of Headaches or Eye Pain

Eye strain from trying to focus or see clearly can lead to frequent headaches, especially after school or reading. Children may also complain of tired eyes or blurred vision.

6. Lack of Interest in Reading or School

Vision problems can directly affect a child’s performance in school. If your child once enjoyed reading and suddenly avoids it, the issue might be more than disinterest — they may be struggling to see the words.

7. Poor Hand-Eye Coordination

Does your child have trouble catching a ball, copying from the board, or coordinating physical movements? These could be signs of depth perception or tracking issues.

8. Eye Misalignment (Strabismus)

If one of your child’s eyes turns inward, outward, or upward, especially when they’re tired, it’s a clear sign of a problem. Eye misalignment can lead to double vision or suppression of one eye by the brain.

9. Sensitivity to Light

Light sensitivity (photophobia) may be a sign of several conditions, including inflammation, albinism, or even uncorrected refractive errors. Children may squint in sunlight or indoors with bright lights.

10. Tearing or Discharge

Excessive tearing, especially in one eye, could indicate a blocked tear duct or an eye infection. Yellow or green discharge may be a sign of conjunctivitis (pink eye), which needs treatment.

Vision Milestones: What’s Normal at Each Age?

Keeping track of developmental milestones can help you detect problems early. Here are a few vision checkpoints by age:

0–6 Months:

• Follows moving objects with eyes
• Starts to make eye contact
• Smiles in response to visual cues

6–12 Months:

• Reaches for toys and objects
• Good hand-eye coordination begins
• Eyes appear aligned and straight

1–3 Years:

• Recognises familiar people and objects from a distance
• Points to pictures in books
• Eyes move together smoothly

3–5 Years:

• Can identify shapes, letters, or colours
• Tracks objects or words across a page
• Eyes remain steady without turning or drifting

If your child misses any of these milestones, it’s a good idea to consult a pediatrician or eye care professional.

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Behavioural Clues: What Kids Might Say (or Not Say)

Kids rarely say, “I can’t see well.” Instead, they might say things like:

• “The words are blurry.”
• “I don’t like reading.”
• “I have a headache.”
• “The letters are dancing.”
• “It’s too bright!”

Or, they may not say anything at all, which is why observation is crucial.

Red Flags That Should NEVER Be Ignored

While some signs may seem mild or intermittent, the following symptoms should prompt immediate attention from a pediatric eye specialist:

• White or greyish pupil: Could indicate cataract or retinoblastoma (a rare eye cancer).
• Sudden vision loss or a dramatic change in eyesight
• Eye pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting: Possible signs of glaucoma
• Eyes fluttering quickly or “dancing”: Could indicate a neurological issue
• Persistent misalignment after 6 months of age
• Obvious asymmetry in pupil size or eyelid droop

What Causes Vision Problems in Children?

Some common causes include:

• Refractive errors: Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
• Strabismus (crossed eyes)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Congenital cataracts
• Genetic conditions (e.g., retinitis pigmentosa)
• Eye injuries or trauma

Children with a family history of vision problems are at a higher risk and should be monitored more closely.

When Should a Child See an Eye Doctor?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology:

• First eye exam: Between 6–12 months of age
• Next exam: At age 3, then again before starting school
• After that: Every 1–2 years, or more often if issues are detected

If your child wears glasses or has been diagnosed with an eye condition, follow-up exams may be needed every 6–12 months.

Tips for Parents: How to Support Healthy Vision

• Schedule regular vision screenings.
• Encourage outdoor play (shown to reduce the risk of myopia).
• Limit screen time and ensure proper lighting during device use.
• Promote a diet rich in Vitamin A, C, E, lutein, and omega-3s.
• Teach children not to rub their eyes excessively.
• Use protective eyewear during sports or outdoor activities.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

You know your child better than anyone. If something seems off with their vision or behaviour, don’t wait for the next routine check-up. Early detection can prevent permanent vision loss and support better developmental outcomes.

Vision is more than just seeing clearly — it’s about how your child interprets and interacts with the world. Keep an eye out for the signs, and never hesitate to seek help when you notice a red flag.