Unlike adults, children don’t always realise when their vision is unclear. They might assume what they see is normal, leading to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, or behavioural issues, all of which could be traced back to something as simple as an undetected eye condition.
Parents, teachers, and caregivers need to be observant of subtle signs across age groups. Dr Asma Khan, Consultant Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru, tells Moneycontrol, “Vision issues can severely impact a child’s development. Having said that, most are easily treatable if caught early. Listen to your child, observe their habits, and when in doubt, book that eye check-up Because sometimes, what they can’t say, their eyes will show. Spotting issues early can change a child’s life.”
Signs to watch out for, at different ages
Under 1 year: The earliest red flags
Even babies can show signs of vision problems, though they’re often brushed off.
Also read | How to protect kids from digital eye strain: 6 effective tips from senior cataract & retina surgeon
Watch out for:
- Misaligned or crossed eyes
- Poor eye contact or not tracking objects
- Watering eyes or excessive blinking
- A white shadow or dot in the pupil (visible in photos too)
- Drooping eyelids
- Jerky or unusual eye movements
“Any white reflex in the pupil could indicate serious conditions like congenital cataract or even tumours like retinoblastoma,” warns Dr Khan.
Ages 1–5: Early signs during play and screen time
Preschoolers may develop coping behaviours to manage their vision struggles.
Watch out for:
- Rubbing or blinking eyes frequently
- Squinting or squeezing eyes to see better
- Watching TV too closely
- Holding books or toys very close to the face
- Complaints of light sensitivity, burning, or irritation
- Unexplained headaches
“If your child avoids playtime or seems fussy around lights, don't ignore it,” adds Dr. Khan.
Also read | Eye care tips: Strategies to protect children's eyesight and reduce spectacle dependency
Ages 6 and above: School-related difficulties
This is often when problems become more apparent—but also misinterpreted as laziness or distraction.
Pay attention to:
- Difficulty seeing the board, especially from the back
- Poor academic performance or avoiding reading
- Frequent headaches, especially after screen use
- Low self-esteem or reluctance to interact socially
“Social anxiety in older children is sometimes rooted in vision trouble, they can’t see properly and don’t want to admit it,” says Dr. Khan.
Don’t wait for symptoms, be proactive.
Even if you don’t notice any signs, regular eye check-ups are vital. Children may hide symptoms out of shyness or fear of being ‘different’. “Sometimes even the most observant parents miss subtle cues. A routine eye exam can catch what we can't,” says Dr Khan.
FAQs on Common Eyesight Problems in Children
1. How can parents identify early vision problems in babies?
Look for misaligned eyes, poor eye contact, watering eyes, a white dot in the pupil, drooping eyelids, or jerky eye movements. These signs may indicate serious conditions.
2. What are common signs of eyesight issues in preschoolers?
Preschoolers might frequently rub their eyes, squint, watch TV closely, hold books near their face, complain of light sensitivity, or have unexplained headaches.
3. How do vision problems affect school-aged children?
School-aged children might struggle to see the board, perform poorly academically, frequently have headaches after screen use, or exhibit low self-esteem and reluctance to socialise.
4. Why are routine eye check-ups important for children?
Routine eye exams can detect hidden vision issues that children might not express due to shyness or fear. Regular check-ups ensure early detection and treatment.
5. Can vision problems be misinterpreted as behavioral issues?
Yes, children might appear lazy or distracted due to undetected vision problems. Observant caregivers can spot these issues early, improving the child's development.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.
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