Is your child showing less interest in studies these days and has become lazy? This is not normal, and you will be surprised to know that kids with poor vision tend to show these symptoms. If your kid’s behavior has changed recently, you need to take care of it and visit an eye doctor immediately.
In kids, pediatric myopia is quite common and can happen at an early age. You will be glad to know that the symptoms can be treated and your kid can lead a normal life like any other child. But before you visit a doctor you should learn what are the other symptoms of poor vision in kids to make a wise decision. Read further to know everything about it.
When Do You Know Your Kid Needs To Wear Glasses?
Rubbing eyes
If your child rubs his/her eyes continuously, it can be a sign that your child is suffering from poor eyesight. Due to poor vision, they feel they have a foreign body in their eye that is hindering their vision hence, they rub their eyes to remove it.
Teary eyes
Teary eyes can also be a reason for poor vision. When there is discomfort or strain in the eyes, to combat it, the eyes immediately start producing tears. Due to poor vision, kids start putting a lot of pressure on their eyes to see clearly, which leads to eye fatigue. Eye fatigue leads to excessive production of tears as the eyes need to soothe and lubricate.
Squinting
When both eyes start looking in different directions, it is called squinting. To see clearly and adjust to the changes, kids start squinting. If your kid is also doing the same, this can be a sign that your child has poor vision.
Tilting head
Due to poor vision, it becomes a challenge for kids to align their eyes and see clearly. Hence, they often tilt their head. Tilting the head helps them adjust their line of sight to improve clarity and reduce double vision, allowing for better focus and visual comfort. If your child continuously tilts their head, it’s time to visit an eye care professional.
Covering one eye
It is not a game, or your child is not doing it for fun if they are covering one of their eyes while watching television. This can be a serious sign that your child is suffering from poor vision. Kids often do this to close their eyes that has poor vision than the other. If your child is also doing the same, its high time you visit a doctor.
Eye pain and headaches
Poor eye sight can lead to eye pain and headache. If your child complains about the same issue, you should not ignore it. But take your child immediately to an eye care professional. Eye pain and continuous headaches is directly related to poor eye sight and need immediate attention.
Sitting too close to the television
For better picture and clarity, sometimes children sit too close to the television or bring the screen too close to their eyes if they are using smartphones or tablets. If they are repeatedly doing the same thing even after several warnings you need to take immediate action and take your child to the doctor.
Lack of concentration
Last but not least, if your child is not showing interest in studies anymore or shows a lack of concentration, it can be related to poor vision. Lack of proper vision stops the kids from looking at written content, and hence they avoid studying. Also, when they cant see things clearly, they show a lack of interest and concentration. If so is the case with your child you must immediately take your child to the eyes specialist
How To Prevent Eye Problems In Children?
Proper rest
Children need to sleep for at least 8 to 10 hours to give their eyes some rest. Good sleep helps the eyes to repair and heal. Consistent good sleep helps prevent discomfort and keeps eyes feeling refreshed. During sleep, kids’ eyes are lubricated, which helps clear out dust and debris and keeps their eyes hydrated. This is crucial for maintaining good eye health and clear, comfortable vision.
Reduce screen time
These days, children spend more time watching screens than playing outside. Watching too much at a screen weakens the eyes. It also affects their brain growth and, in the long run, affect their body posture and entire well-being. Hence to prevent your kids’ eyes from future damage, it is essential to reduce their screen time. It will be a struggle for them initially but with time things will improve.
Balanced diet
Like the other parts of the body, the eyes too need vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, C, and E, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Zinc, Lutein and Zeaxanthin, and Complex Carbohydrates, are all important for kids’ eyes. You can find these vitamins in carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, almonds, and sunflower seeds.
Omega-3s are abundantly found in fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts. Beef, poultry, beans, and pumpkin seeds are good sources of zinc. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens, as well as eggs, are rich in these nutrients. Quinoa, brown rice, and whole oats are excellent choices for complex carbohydrates.
Regular doctor visits
Even if your child is not showing any symptoms of eye problems, as a parent, you should take them for a regular eye test in every 6 months. This not only prevents the bad from happening but also results in early detection of any underlying problem.
Hygiene
All-in-all hygiene plays a big role in preventing eye problems. Washing eyes, face and hands regularly prevent bacteria from entering eyes. Hence inculcate this good habit in your child to maintain their eye health.
Kids’ eyes are more delicate than adults’ eyes, hence they need more care and attention. If your child is showing symptoms of poor eyesight book an appointment with your doctor today.
