Myopia or nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball shape changes such that light does not focus directly on the retina as it should but focuses in front of it. As a result, objects at a distance appear blurry.

Children begin experiencing vision problems from age six to 12. Thus, regular vision care and eye examinations are ideal. If you are wondering how you can know if your child has myopia, read on to learn.

Holding Objects Close to Their Eyes

You can tell your child has a vision problem if they struggle to see things at a distance. They may have myopia if you notice that they sit very close to the television or must hold things close to their face to see clearly.

Your child’s teacher can tell how your child prefers sitting close to the board than at the back of the class. Such clues should inform you that your child may have nearsightedness. At this time, it’s vital to seek medical help and have an eye specialist check their eyes.

Headache Complaints

Headaches are among the common symptoms of vision problems. You can spot myopia symptoms in your child if they complain of frequent headaches. Ideally, track how often they complain of the discomfort. Sometimes, the pain may occur due to barometric pressure changes or allergies. But if the headaches occur more than once a week, seek medical help to have their vision examined.

Reading With One Eye Closed 

Children who cover or close one eye when reading experience vision difficulties. If you notice that your child habitually does this, they do it as a tactic to naturally overcome the blurry vision. Closing one eye offers some clarity to overcome any discrepancy one may have in their vision between the two eyes.

Squinting

Your child can squint to temporarily cope with their blurry vision. Squinting corrects the focusing struggle caused by refractive errors for a short while. Most children with myopia tend to squint for brief clarity in their vision.

Eye Rubbing 

Children who are too young to recognize discomforts such as headaches react by rubbing their eyes. Digital eyestrain also causes children to rub their eyes. The blue light emitted from digital devices such as computers can cause eyestrain if used for long hours. Ideally, limit their screen time to assess the situation and see if the eye rubbing stops. If they continue rubbing their eyes, you should get their vision assessed.

Excessive Watery Eyes

Myopia causes eye discomfort that can cause the eyes to water. If you notice that your child has eyes that water excessively, they may be suffering from nearsightedness. Some parents confuse this symptom for irritation that results from eye allergies. However, your child could have myopia if the watering remains consistent and happens in excess. Thus, you will need to seek medical attention before it progresses.

Ideally, visit an eye doctor because myopia can progress and worsen their sight. It can lead to poor sports and academic performance. It also presents a higher risk for severe vision problems such as retinal detachment and premature cataracts. Seek medical help immediately if you spot myopia symptoms in your child.

For more about myopia symptoms in children, visit Family Vision Care Associates at our office in White Plains, New York. Call 914-359-3300 to book an appointment today.