As many a parent can attest, decoding a youngster’s needs can be challenging when that child is not yet able to fully communicate. Diagnosing health issues may require a little trial and error. So it’s no wonder many parents are not aware if their children are having issues with vision.

Routine wellness exams by your child’s physician can help to determine if a child is having problems with his or her vision. Doctors may detect subtleties that parents may not see, including signs that suggest kids are having trouble with their vision.

The American Optometric Association recommends vision exams at age six months, three years and before entering first grade, as well as every two years thereafter until age 18. Initial vision assessments typically take place in a pediatrician’s office. Parents can speak with their children’s pediatrician and ask if he or she can look for signs of vision trouble in their sons or daughters. Some pediatricians may recommend children visit an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

In addition to speaking with their children’s pediatricians, parents can keep an eye out for the following warning signs children may exhibit when they’re experiencing vision disorders.
• Squinting, which can be a sign of compensating for poor vision.
• Sitting too close to the television or holding a tablet screen close to the face.
• Covering or shutting one eye.
• Rubbing eyes due to visual fatigue and not general fatigue.
• Pulling toys or other objects closer.
• Head tilting, which could be a signal that vision may be better in one eye than the other.
• Inability to make steady eye contact or track an object in an infant older than three months of age.
• Crossed or misaligned eyes after age four months.
• Children who are easily distracted in learning situations or have difficulty paying attention may be losing interest due to trouble with their vision.

A proactive approach to eye health by parents when children are young can help correct problems early on and ensure children can see and function successfully through the years. Early treatment can lead to major, long-term improvements in vision.