As the new school year approaches, parents are busy preparing their children for success in the classroom. While shopping for supplies and new clothes might be on your to-do list, there’s another important aspect to consider: your child’s vision.

Clear vision is essential for learning, and uncorrected vision problems can significantly impact a child’s academic performance and overall well-being. But how can you tell if your child needs glasses?

Here are some common signs to watch for before school starts, and why it’s crucial to schedule an eye exam if you notice any of them.

1. Squinting or Closing One Eye

One of the most noticeable signs that your child may need glasses is frequent squinting. Squinting is a way for the eyes to temporarily improve focus by reducing the amount of light entering the eye, which may indicate nearsightedness (difficulty seeing far away) or farsightedness (difficulty seeing up close). If your child often squints while watching TV, reading, or looking at distant objects, it’s a good idea to have their eyes checked.

2. Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain

If your child frequently complains of headaches, particularly after reading or doing close-up work, this could be a sign of eye strain. When the eyes struggle to focus properly, it can lead to tension in the eye muscles, resulting in headaches or discomfort around the eyes. These symptoms may indicate conditions such as astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea) or hyperopia (farsightedness).

3. Difficulty Reading or Sitting Too Close to Screens

Children with vision problems may struggle with reading, often losing their place on the page, skipping lines, or needing to use a finger to guide them. Additionally, if your child tends to sit too close to the TV, hold books very close to their face, or lean in close to screens, this could be a sign of nearsightedness. They may not be able to see clearly from a distance and therefore compensate by getting as close as possible to the text or image.

4. Covering One Eye or Tilting Their Head

If your child frequently covers one eye or tilts their head to one side when focusing on something, it may be a sign of a vision problem. This behavior can indicate that one eye is stronger than the other or that your child has a condition called amblyopia (lazy eye), where one eye does not develop normal vision. This is often due to an imbalance in the muscles that control eye movement or a difference in the refractive power between the two eyes.

5. Complaints of Blurred or Double Vision

Children might not always know how to describe vision problems, but if your child mentions that things look blurry or they see double, it’s a clear sign that something is wrong. Blurred or double vision can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and participate in activities, making it essential to address these symptoms with a professional eye exam.

Why Early Detection Matters

Vision problems can be easily overlooked because children often don’t realize they’re seeing the world differently from others. Early detection and correction of vision issues are crucial for a child’s academic success, social development, and overall quality of life. Uncorrected vision problems can lead to difficulties in school, lower self-esteem, and even behavioral issues.

Schedule an Eye Exam Before School Starts

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—schedule an eye exam for your child before the school year begins. A comprehensive eye exam can identify vision problems early on, ensuring that your child has the clear vision they need to succeed in school and beyond.