Seeing the signs: A parent’s guide to spotting early vision problems in children

As published in Calgary’s Child magazine

Vision is a skill children develop, not one they’re born with, making early detection essential

Parents often dedicate countless hours to monitoring their children’s milestones, making sure they eat well, grow strong, and stay safe. Yet, vision, a crucial aspect of a child’s health, can easily go unnoticed until it impacts a child’s behavior and performance at school.

Good vision is a learned skill that develops over time. It’s not something we are born with. It’s easy to assume a child can see well, especially if they are not complaining. However, many children do not report vision problems because they do not know what clear vision feels like. If blurry or double vision is all they’ve ever known, they may assume that’s how everyone sees. Therefore, it’s essential to recognize potential signs of vision problems and to prioritize regular eye exams.

“Many vision concerns in children develop gradually, especially after they begin learning to read, making them difficult to spot without a proper eye exam.”

Vision is crucial to a child’s overall development. Whether it’s learning to read or exploring their surroundings, children rely on their vision to make sense of the world around them. But, good vision is more than just seeing 20/20 – it also involves how the eyes work together, how the brain processes visual information, and how effectively a child can use their sight for learning and daily activities. According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, up to 80 percent of learning is visual, highlighting just how important comprehensive vision care is for a child’s success. As optometrist Dr. Gerald Getman explains, “When a child’s visual participation is integrated into each activity, vision becomes the essential link between action and comprehension.”

A child who struggles to see the board, read, or focus in class may experience lower academic performance and reduced confidence. In some cases, these challenges may be misattributed to conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning disorders, when the underlying issue is actually an undetected vision problem. For children showing symptoms, a binocular vision assessment is an important first step before exploring other potential diagnoses.

Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children

• Squinting or frequent eye rubbing
• Holding books or screens very close
• Tilting the head or covering one eye to see better
• Losing their place, skipping lines, or re-reading when reading aloud
• Complaining of headaches, sore eyes, or fatigue during visual tasks
• Avoiding reading or other close-up work
• Reversing letters or numbers
• Difficulty copying from the board
• Appearing clumsy or having poor handeye coordination

If your child shows any of these signs, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and have a binocular vision assessment performed by a developmental optometrist to identify any potential vision problems. If an issue is detected, vision therapy may be recommended – an effective, personalized program designed to strengthen visual skills and improve how the eyes and brain work together.

Many vision concerns in children develop gradually, especially after they begin learning to read, making them difficult to spot without a proper eye exam. If you’re not reading aloud with your child, you might miss subtle signs that they’re struggling with their vision. While vision screenings at school or a pediatrician’s office can be helpful, they are not a replacement for a comprehensive eye exam by an optometrist.

Eye exams should begin at six months of age and continue annually. A comprehensive exam evaluates not just clarity of vision (20/20), but also eye coordination and tracking, focusing ability, depth perception, color vision, and overall eye health. These skills are essential for ensuring children are visually prepared for school and daily activities.

Early detection is critical. Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) are most treatable during the developmental years. Left unaddressed, vision problems can affect your child’s academic performance, confidence, and quality of life.

How Parents Can Support Healthy Vision

Model good screen habits: Use the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds – and keep screens an arm’s length away. Keep screen time to under one hour to reduce risk of myopia (nearsightedness).

Ensure proper lighting: Make sure your child reads and works in well-lit areas to reduce eye strain.

Encourage outdoor time: At least two hours outdoors daily can help prevent myopia. Don’t forget to wear your sunglasses!

Watch for changes: Be alert to sudden changes in behavior, academic performance, or complaints about vision.

Focus on nutrition: Include eye-friendly foods like leafy greens and colorful fruits and veggies.

Prioritize sleep: A good night’s rest supports overall eye health and reduces digital eye strain.

Your child’s vision affects more than just what they see, it influences how they learn, play, and interact with the world. By staying informed and attentive to the signs of vision issues, parents can take proactive steps to protect their children’s eye health. Scheduling regular eye exams and addressing concerns early with your optometrist can make a world of difference in how your child experiences life.

Dr. Jessica Yang is an optometrist practicing at Eyedeology, located at the Rockyview Health Center Building #1 in Calgary. She has a special interest in myopia management, dry eye disease and specialty contact lenses. For more information on myopia and eye health please visit https://www.eyedeology.ca/