Children's Eye Health: Signs That Your Child Might Need Glasses

Children don't always realise that their vision isn't quite right. If they've never seen clearly, they may assume everyone sees the world the same way they do. As a parent or grandparent, knowing the signs that suggest a child might need glasses helps ensure any problems are addressed early.

Squinting is one of the most obvious indicators. Children may partially close their eyes to see more clearly, creating a pinhole effect that temporarily sharpens focus. If you notice your child squinting at the television, whiteboard at school, or when reading, it's worth having their eyes checked.

Sitting very close to screens or holding books unusually close to their face might indicate short-sightedness. Children naturally sit closer than adults do, but consistently choosing to be right in front of the television could suggest they're struggling to see from further back.

Frequent headaches, particularly after school or activities requiring visual concentration, can indicate eyestrain from uncorrected vision problems. Eye rubbing, especially when trying to concentrate, is another sign that the eyes are working harder than they should.

Difficulty with reading, losing place on the page, or using a finger to track words might have visual causes alongside other possibilities. Similarly, reluctance to participate in activities requiring distance vision, like sports, or close work, like drawing, could relate to how well the child sees.

In younger children, one eye turning inward or outward sometimes indicates a squint that needs attention. Early treatment of squints is important for proper visual development. Covering or closing one eye habitually might suggest that eye isn't seeing as clearly as the other.

NHS eye examinations are free for all children under 16, and problems detected early are generally easier to treat. Children don't need to be able to read letters; optometrists have plenty of ways to assess young children's vision using pictures, shapes, and matching games.