5 Subtle Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam - Even If They Don’t Complain

Many parents assume that if their child isn’t complaining about their vision, everything must be fine. But children often don’t realize when their eyesight isn’t as clear as it should be. That’s why recognizing the early, subtle signs of vision problems is so important. Here are five subtle signs your child may need an eye exam - even if they haven’t said a word about their vision.

1. Squinting or Tilting the Head

If you notice your child squinting when looking at the board in class, watching TV, or reading, it could be their way of trying to sharpen blurry vision. Similarly, tilting or turning their head often may be an attempt to compensate for a refractive error.

2. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Books

Children with undiagnosed myopia often sit very close to the television, hold books up to their face, or lean in too close to tablets. This behavior helps them see more clearly but is a red flag that distance vision may be an issue.

3. Frequent Eye Rubbing or Complaints of Tired Eyes

Eye rubbing isn’t always about sleepiness. Children with uncorrected vision problems may rub their eyes often because their eyes feel strained or fatigued after focusing for long periods.

4. Trouble Concentrating or Avoiding Certain Activities

Vision problems can make reading, schoolwork, or even sports frustrating. A child who struggles to keep up with their peers may avoid these tasks altogether - not because they don’t enjoy them, but because their vision makes them harder.

5. Headaches After School or Homework

Uncorrected vision issues can lead to eyestrain, which often shows up as headaches, especially after tasks that require focus like reading or using a computer. If your child regularly complains of headaches after school, it may be time for an eye exam.

Early Detection Is Key

Regular pediatric eye exams can detect refractive errors such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism early on - before they interfere with learning, sports, or overall development. Myopia, in particular, is becoming more common among children and can worsen quickly if left untreated.

Catching vision problems early allows for timely treatment and can prevent long-term issues. With the rise of myopia in children, early detection is especially important to help slow progression and protect long-term eye health.

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam at Miller Optometry Today

Even if your child never mentions their eyesight, these subtle signs could mean they’re struggling to see clearly. Regular comprehensive eye exams are the best way to protect your child’s vision, catch refractive errors like myopia early, and set them up for success.

Schedule your child’s next eye exam at Miller Optometry to ensure they see the world clearly and confidently. Visit our office in Yucaipa, California, or call (909) 341-1800 to book an appointment today.