Symptoms of Vision Problems in School Aged Children

Did you know that one in four children has an undetected vision problem that can interfere with learning?  Here are some things to watch for that indicate a need for a complete eye exam (school screenings do not count!).

Vision problems can elicit a wide range of signs and symptoms. Some, like eyestrain or blurred vision, can usually be attributed directly to a vision dysfunction. Others, such as poor attention span at school, clumsiness in sports, or reduced productivity at work, may not immediately be recognized as possible signs of a vision problem. The following is a listing of common signs or symptoms of vision problems that indicate the need for a comprehensive vision exam by a knowledgable optometrist or eye care specialist:

Frequent headaches or eye strain

Blurring of distance or near vision, particularly after reading or other close work

Avoidance of close work or other visually demanding tasks

Turning of an eye in or out, up or down (even if only briefly)

Tendency to cover or close one eye, or favor the vision in one eye

Double vision

Difficulty following a moving target

Dizziness or motion sickness

Poor reading comprehension

Difficulty copying from one place to another

Loss of place, repetition, and/or omission of words while reading

Difficulty changing focus from distance to near and back

Excessive blinking or squinting

Can respond orally but cannot get the same information down on paper

Letter and word reversals

Difficulty judging sizes and shapes

Turns or tilts head to see

Uses finger to read

Poor hand-eye coordination,or bumps into things or drops things frequently