Signs that a child may need glasses

Early detection and management of eye conditions is crucial for maintaining healthy vision in children. 

Last Updated: March 27, 2023

Video: How can I tell if my child needs glasses? | Dr. Sharmin Habib

The development of the visual system continues into early childhood. Glasses prescription does not stabilize until late adolescent to early adulthood. Until that time, children may struggle with symptoms of blurry vision, trouble focusing or poor binocular vision, which is the ability for the two eyes to work together. Since children are still learning how to see, many children’s visual problems can go undetected if not checked. Routine eye exams are a crucial part of maintaining healthy and clear vision for children.

During an eye exam, the optometrist uses a variety of tests to help determine if there is any need for glasses or if there are any signs that glasses may be needed in the future. Early detection and management of eye conditions is crucial for maintaining healthy vision in children. It is a good idea to have children’s eyes checked as early as 6 months of age. It is especially important for a child to be seen before starting school and yearly afterwards to ensure that they have optimal vision for learning.

Signs that may indicate a child needs glasses:

  • Squinting
  • Excessive blinking
  • Excessive eye rubbing
  • Holding objects close to the eyes
  • Headaches or eye strain
  • Blurry vision or double vision
  • Turning or tilting the head
  • Covering or closing one eye
  • Poor performance in school
  • Dislike of near work (ex. reading)
  • Trouble with reading, alphabet, laterality, geometric shapes
  • Poor hand-eye coordination
  • Short attention span
  • Behaviour problems