It’s that time of year: parents and children are getting ready to return to school. As your child prepares for a new school year and settles into a new environment, it’s important to look out for signs your child needs glasses.
Signs your child may need glasses
Morgan Pennekamp, APRN, FNP-C, is a school-based provider in our Cincinnati market, and often, the first sign she hears from parents is that their child is squinting more frequently or tilting their head to see something further away.
“Usually, some of the first signs parents may notice is their child has difficulty seeing the clock, sits too close to the TV or a handheld device or complains of blurred vision or headaches,” Morgan says. “In some cases, we see a downward trend in grades or complaints they cannot see the information their teacher is sharing.”
A basic vision screening can be completed with a school nurse and is often the first indication a child may need further vision testing, especially in younger children.
If you think your child may have vision problems and need glasses, here are a few symptoms to look out for:
- Eye aches or eye pain
- Frequently rubbing their eyes
- Headaches
- Increased difficulty concentrating
- Squinting or eye strain
What do I do if I think my child needs glasses?
“If you think your child may need glasses, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician or family doctor,” Morgan says. “Your doctor will screen them in the office, and if a child doesn’t pass the in-office screening, they will be referred to an eye doctor for further vision testing and an eye exam.”
Recommendations from the optometrist may vary depending on the severity of your child’s case. In most instances, glasses would be a suggested solution. If glasses are needed after testing, your optometrist will help get your child’s glasses fitted correctly.
Children who wear glasses should receive an annual eye exam as a checkup to determine if their vision is improving or worsening over time.
What is the most common age for kids to need glasses?
Some school-age children may experience vision problems at a younger age, while others may not develop any symptoms until later in childhood. The most common age children may start to wear glasses is between the ages of 6 and 12 years old.
However, there is no wrong age for a child to get glasses. It’s recommended that children start getting their vision checked when they are 6 months old.
Can I test my child’s eyes at home?
Eye health, especially in children and young adults, is important to monitor as they get older. At-home screenings can be a helpful way to stay up to date on their vision health in addition to annual eye exams for your child. At-home eye charts and instructions can be found online through the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
“If you are using at-home screenings, it’s important to follow your child’s developmental level,” Morgan says. “For instance, if they do not know their letters consistently yet, I would recommend using a shape chart instead of letters.”
How can I help my child take care of their eyes?
There are a few easy ways you can help your child take care of their eye health:
- Consider using blue light glasses to protect your child’s eyes from harmful UV rays emitted from screens.
- Take regular breaks from screens or technology that may strain their eyes.
- Wear sunglasses during the summer or whenever the sun is bright.
- Eat a balanced diet and establish a healthy sleep schedule.
Learn more about the ophthalmology and eye health services we offer at Mercy Health.
