August is Global Children’s Eye Health & Safety Month and this makes it the best time to review how we perceive children’s vision. When a child struggles in school, behavioral signs like avoiding reading, acting out, or losing focus, are often associated with attention deficit disorders or learning barriers.

However, in many cases, the real culprit is a  functional vision problem. A child can pass a basic eye vision screening with “20/20” distance vision but still suffer from undetected visual processing issues.

Reading generally requires complex coordination like eye tracking, simultaneous contraction, and focusing of the eye muscles at close range.

Below are hidden signs to lookout for in assessing children’s behavior:

Avoidance & Fatigue

Rubbing eyes, frequent blinking, or complaining of headaches after reading for just ten minutes.

Postural Shifts

Tilting the head significantly to one side, covering one eye, or holding books unusually close to the face.

Tracking Struggles 

Skipping lines while reading, using a finger as a guide well past early primary grades, or repeating lines.

If your visual system is not working correctly and comfortably, learning becomes an exhausting task.

We encourage you to give your child a good foundation for academic success. Book a comprehensive pediatric visual assessment with Opti Eyewear Optometrist today.