Blog:Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses

As children grow, so do their visual needs. Clear vision plays an important role in learning, development, and everyday activities. Yet, it’s not always easy for kids to express when something seems “off” with their eyes. As a parent, knowing the signs of vision problems can help you ensure your child gets the care they need as early as possible.
At Focal Point Eye Care, our eye doctor in Overland Park, KS, Dr. Christi Blood-White, provides thorough pediatric eye exams to help children see clearly and comfortably at every stage of growth.
Children don’t always realize when they’re having vision problems. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:
• Squinting or Tilting Their Head: Squinting can temporarily improve focus if vision is blurry. A child who tilts their head may be trying to adjust for double vision or other visual misalignments.
• Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain: Frequent headaches, especially after reading, screen time, or schoolwork, can indicate uncorrected vision issues such as farsightedness or astigmatism.
• Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Close: If your child consistently moves closer to objects to see them, they may be nearsighted and struggling to see things clearly from a distance.
• Rubbing Their Eyes Often: Eye rubbing can be a sign of eye fatigue or difficulty seeing clearly. It may also be associated with other visual issues or dry eyes.
• Avoiding Reading or Schoolwork: Kids with blurry vision may become frustrated with tasks that require prolonged focusing, leading to behavioral changes or declining school performance.
• Covering One Eye: Covering or closing one eye can indicate problems with binocular vision or an eye that is weaker than the other.
Vision problems can significantly affect how a child learns and interacts with the world. In fact, many learning challenges are linked to undiagnosed vision issues. Regular pediatric eye exams in Overland Park ensure that any concerns are detected early, giving your child the best chance to succeed and stay confident in school and play. Dr. Blood-White uses advanced technology and a kid-friendly approach to make eye exams comfortable, accurate, and stress-free for children of all ages.
The American Optometric Association recommends the first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months old, another at age 3, and again before starting school. After that, yearly check-ups are essential for monitoring vision changes as your child grows.
Your child’s vision is an essential part of their development, and regular eye exams help protect it. Identifying and treating vision issues early allows them to thrive at home, in school, and beyond.
Contact Focal Point Eye Care to schedule pediatric eye exam and ensure your child sees their best every day. Visit our office in Overland Park, Kansas, or call (913) 341-2323 to book an appointment today.