Signs Your Child May Be Struggling with Their Vision at School

Vision problems can be hard to spot, especially since kids often do not know how to explain what they are feeling. It is tough to spot vision problems in kids. How would they know if their sight is blurry? They might think everyone sees the world this way, or that getting a headache after reading is just normal.

So, when they have a hard time in school, we might worry about their focus or their teacher. But sometimes, the real story might be much simpler: they just cannot see clearly.

Here are a few gentle clues that might mean it’s time to get their eyes checked.

Frequent Complaints About Eye Pain or Tired Eyes

If your child often says their eyes “feel funny,” are tired, or hurt after reading or screen time, listen up. It is like their eyes are running a marathon without the right gear. This strain is a big clue that their eyes are working too hard just to keep things in focus.

Excessive Rubbing of the Eyes

Notice your child rubbing their eyes all the time, even when they are not sleepy? They are not just tired. They might be trying to “clear” a blurry picture or soothe irritated eyes from all-day straining. It is their way of trying to fix the problem themselves.

Squinting or Tilting the Head

When your child squints at the TV or tilts their head to read a book, they are playing optometrist. They have figured out that making the opening to their eye smaller helps sharpen a blurry image. It is a clever trick, but it is a sign that they should not have to do it.

Sitting Too Close to Screens or Books

Does your child sit with their nose almost touching the tablet or hold a book uncomfortably close? It is not just a bad habit. For a kid, sitting right in front of the screen is like hitting the zoom button. It’s the only way they can see what’s happening clearly.

Frequent Blinking or Excessive Tears

Lots of blinking or watery eyes can be a sign of dry, tired eyes. Think of it like a windshield wiper trying to clear a foggy window. Their eyes are working so hard to focus that they are drying out and getting irritated.

Complaints About Blurry Vision or Double Vision

Take it seriously if your child says things are blurry or that they see two of something. They are giving you the most direct clue they can. Blurry vision means their eyes cannot focus on the picture. Double vision means their eyes are not working as a team. Both are clear cries for help.

Difficulty with Hand-Eye Coordination

If your child is unusually clumsy, has trouble catching a ball, or struggles to write within the lines, their depth perception might be off. Their eyes are not telling their brain exactly where things are, so their hands cannot react appropriately.

What You Can Do

Noticing these signs is the first step to helping your child. The good news is that you can do a lot.

• Observe their habits. Pay attention to the little things. Do they lean in when they watch TV? Do their eyes look red after school?
• Talk to them. Have a quiet chat. Ask simple questions like, "Does the board ever look fuzzy?" or "Do your eyes ever feel tired when you read?" You might be surprised by their honest answers.
• Schedule a comprehensive eye exam. This is the most important step. A full eye exam is more than just reading letters on a chart. It is like a physical for your child’s eyes, checking how they work together, focus, and track.
• Provide the right tools at home. Make their world a little easier on their eyes.

For more on your child’s vision health, visit Optic Gallery South Meadows. Our office is in Reno, Nevada. Call (775) 451-3937 to book an appointment today.