Your child’s eyesight is crucial in their first years, the primary tool they depend on to accomplish developmental milestones. Without a clear vision, they will have problems identifying and navigating their world. It affects their learning, making it hard for them to understand what is happening around them. Here are ten signs you can watch out for to confirm whether your child needs vision therapy.

Frequent Headaches or Eye Pain

Does your child come from school complaining of headaches and aching eyes? It could signify visual problems and require therapy. The eye pain results from the eyes overworking to compensate and focus on objects. The straining causes headaches as the brain tries to translate the images. 

Excessive Rubbing of Eyes

Rubbing of the eyes may indicate fatigue, strain, or blurry sight. Your child is trying to clear their eyes, or they have tired eyes. Strike a conversation with them and try to find out which one it could be. Sometimes, they may not be able to tell you. Take them to a doctor who will perform an exam to determine what is happening.
 

Holding Devices Close to the Eyes

The behavior indicates that they cannot see objects or images at a distance. You may also notice them sitting close to the television when watching their favorite show. Some parents will get angry with their children at this point. 

However, be calm and examine all possibilities. Observe and check whether they also hold their books close to their eyes as they read. Seek medical attention when you notice this sign.

Squinting

Some children think that squinting and making their eyes small will help them see better. It may help, and they may temporarily see objects and images with clarity. However, it strains the eye muscles. It is only a matter of time before they start complaining of eye fatigue and headaches. Visit a pediatric eye doctor with your child when you see them squinting.

Tilting Head or Covering One Eye

The action is similar to squinting. The child is trying to focus and improve the clarity of images. It may also indicate eye misalignment or amblyopia. These disorders are common, so do not panic. Take them to an eye doctor.

Bumping Into Walls and Objects

The constant bumping into walls and objects should alert you to visual problems. It shows that your child may have blurry sight and problems seeing what is on their path. Instead of scolding them, get them medical help.

Difficulty Concentrating

Children who have problems with their eyesight do not like doing schoolwork. Focusing on the board or their books cause their eyes to strain. Hence, they may focus elsewhere. Teachers may interpret this as a lack of concentration. Avoid being quick to conclude that your child has difficulty concentrating. Take them to a doctor and get them an eye exam.

Complaining of Dizziness

Eye fatigue may cause dizziness. It may also result from eye misalignment. As the brain tries to understand the images, it stresses the nervous system. The child perceives this as dizziness.

Mistaking Similar Words

Many people will quickly conclude that the child has a learning disorder. However, it may be a visual problem. Before getting to any conclusion, get your child professional help.

Poor Hand-eye Coordination

Poor hand-eye coordination may cause your child to avoid playing with other children. When you notice that your child avoids playtime and is clumsy, seek advice from a doctor. It could be a simple issue with depth perception that vision therapy can resolve.

For more on vision therapy, visit Holistic Vision at our office in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania. Call (267) 500-9600 to book an appointment today.