When Should a Child See an Ophthalmologist?

​​​Eyesight is one of the most important parts of a child’s life. Vision is essential for healthy development, both mentally and socially. Without clear vision, a child is likely to fall behind other children of the same age. It is important parents pay close attention to their child’s vision as they grow. Many children are unaware of their vision problems or do not know how to communicate to parents about the problems they may be having. In order to recognize a child is suffering from unclear vision, it is beneficial to know when a child should see an ophthalmologist.

Below are several indicators your child may need to see an ophthalmologist.

Your Child Sitting Too Close to the Television

If you notice that your child is sitting with their nose nearly touching the television, they are likely to be suffering from vision problems. Children do not need to sit extremely close to a television to see. If you notice this behavior, it might be time to make an appointment for your child to see an ophthalmologist.

When Your Child Reads, He or She Holds Books Close to the Eyes

As noted above, vision problems can lead to academic-performance issues. Pay attention to how your child reads. Is your child’s nose literally in a book? If it is, he or she may be struggling to see the words on the page.

Your Child Stuggles During Physical Activities Such as Sports

If your child has difficulty with hand-eye coordination, such as the inability to catch a ball or judge distances correctly, they may be unable to see correctly. Having your child’s eyes checked could be the difference between them striking out, or hitting a home run.

You Notice That Your Child is Rubbing His or Her Eyes Often

Your child may not understand that their poor vision is not something that can be rubbed away from the eyes. If you notice your child exhibiting this behavior, make an appointment with a pediatric ophthalmologist to determine whether or not you need to seek treatment options for your child.

Since vision affects numerous parts of a child’s life, it is necessary to ensure that they visit a pediatric ophthalmologist as soon as possible. To help your child see correctly, glasses or contact lenses may be necessary to correct your child’s vision.