Guide: How to tell if your kid needs glasses?

One day it hits you... your child is constantly squinting at the TV, complaining about headaches after reading, or holding their tablet way too close to their face. Could it be that they need glasses? Identifying vision problems early is vital, especially since poor eyesight can affect learning, behavior, and overall confidence.

Today we’re breaking down the tell-tale signs your child may need glasses, how vision issues can impact their daily activities, and helpful tips to make the adjustment to wearing glasses easier for them.

Spotting the Signs of Vision Issues in Kids

Kids don’t always know when there’s a problem with their vision. That’s where parents come in!

Here are some common signs that could indicate your child may need glasses:

Squinting: Your child may squint to see better or reduce glare.
Sitting too close to screens: Whether it’s the TV or their tablet, being inches away can be a sign of nearsightedness.
Headaches or Eye Strain: Complaints of pain or discomfort after reading or screen time are often caused by uncorrected vision problems.
Closing one eye to focus: This could indicate double vision or eye muscle weakness.
Trouble concentrating in school: Vision problems can mimic learning difficulties, making it hard for kids to stay focused in class.
Frequent eye rubbing or tearing up: These could be signs of eyestrain or an uncorrected refractive error.
Poor hand-eye coordination: If your child seems clumsy or struggles with coordination, it might not just be growing pains. It could be a vision issue.

Catch any of these signs? It might be time to schedule an eye exam.

Why Good Vision Matters for Your Child's Learning

Did you know that 80% of learning is visual in the early years? From recognizing letters on a chart to following along with a PowerPoint in high school, healthy vision plays a huge role in academic performance. Children struggling to see the whiteboard, read books, or focus for extended periods may lag behind their peers, even if they're perfectly capable. Low self-esteem and behavior changes can snowball from there.

The best way to safeguard their success? Regular eye exams!

Pro Tip:
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, making it the perfect time to book an appointment. Learn more in our Back-to-School Eye Exams guide.

What Age Should Kids Get Their Eyes Examined?
The American Optometric Association recommends:

6 months old: To ensure normal eye development.
3 years old: To catch early issues like lazy eye or crossed eyes.
Before starting school (5-6 years): To detect any refractive errors that might impact learning (e.g., nearsightedness, astigmatism, or farsightedness).
Annually through childhood: School-aged kids’ eyes are still developing, so yearly exams are essential to stay ahead of changes.

Good news! Many schools offer screenings, but they shouldn’t replace a comprehensive exam.

Types of Vision Problems in Children

Children can experience a variety of vision issues. Here are the most common ones:

Nearsightedness (Myopia): Trouble seeing distances; far away objects look blurry.
Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly.
Astigmatism: Blurred or distorted vision caused by an irregularly shaped cornea.
Lazy Eye (Amblyopia): Reduced vision in one eye due to underdevelopment.
Crossed Eyes (Strabismus): Misalignment of the eyes, often treatable with glasses.

Helping Kids Adjust to Glasses

The first time your child puts on glasses, it can be a little overwhelming. But don’t worry! Most kids adapt quickly with these tips:

Pick Frames They Love: Take your child shopping for glasses and encourage them to pick a pair they feel confident in. Cool colors, fun shapes, or even character-inspired styles can make a big difference!
Turn It Into a Routine: Encourage them to wear their glasses consistently by explaining how they help. Start with small goals like wearing them during homework or at school.
Compliment and Encourage Them: Help them feel special about their new look by pointing out how their glasses make them look smart, stylish, or unique.
Keep Maintenance Simple: Teach them how to care for their glasses, like using a soft cloth for cleaning and storing them in a case.
Lead by Example: If you wear glasses, show your excitement and pride in wearing yours. Kids often mimic what they see!

Signs Their Glasses Might Need Updating

Even after they’ve adjusted to glasses, kids’ vision can continue to change as they grow. If that’s the case, look out for the same signs that sparked your curiosity about their vision health in the first place:

Headaches or rubbing their eyes
Squinting more than usual
Complaining their glasses feel “off” or blurry
Broken or poorly fitting frames

We’re dedicated to making quality care affordable and accessible for everyone.

Shield them from blue light

Nowadays, screen-time is also part of their school routine, but too much screen time can strain your child's eyes. Protecting their vision is easier with blue light-filtering lenses, designed specifically to reduce harmful blue light exposure and keep young eyes comfortable.

Here’s why blue light-filtering lenses are a great choice for kids:

Reduced Eye Strain: Minimize discomfort during long hours of screen use.
Better Sleep: Help regulate sleep cycles by filtering disruptive blue light.
Improved Focus: Support their visual comfort during schoolwork and play.

With blue light-filtering lenses, your child can enjoy screen time with fewer distractions and better eye health.

Your Child Deserves Crystal-Clear Vision

Your child’s happiness, confidence, and success start with good vision. If your little one is showing signs of vision trouble, there’s no better time to take action. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at your nearest Stanton Optical today. At Stanton Optical, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Together, we can make sure your kids see the world clearly—not just now, but for years to come.

References:
VisionMonday – An Eye Exam Is a Critical Addition to Your Back-to-School Checklist
American Optometric Association – Championing Children’s Eye Care