Whether your family has chosen in-person or virtual learning this fall, healthy vision has to be part of your back to school plan. Most schools conduct or require vision screening each year to ensure their students are set up to learn effectively. August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, a time designed to support parents as they evaluate and correct their child’s vision.
If you suspect your child has vision issues, this article is designed to help you take the next step.
5 Signs Your Child Needs Glasses
If you’re wondering whether or not your child needs glasses, ask yourself if they are exhibiting the following behaviors;
Struggling at School
If your child gradually starts struggling in school, it could be a sign that they aren’t able to properly see the board. You may pick up on this yourself or the school may contact you with their suspicions.
Squinting
If you’ve noticed your child scrunching up their face or squinting to see something nearby, or far away, it’s a red flag that your child needs glasses. Squinting is typically a sign of near or far sightedness.
Frequent Headaches
If your child complains of frequent headaches, this can be another sign that they need glasses. These headaches are caused by tired eyes that are working too hard to compensate for a vision impairment.
Sitting too Close to the Television
Does your child sit too close to the TV or hold their iPad only inches from their face? This can be an indicator of myopia, or nearsightedness.
Eye Rubbing
Many children rub their eyes at night when they’re ready for bed, but if your child is doing this all day long, it may be a sign of eye fatigue and vision issues.
Taking the Next Step
If your child has been flagged during a vision exam at school or the pediatrician’s office, they will likely recommend you see an optometrist. Many insurances include vision coverage for an annual eye exam. If yours does not, see if there is a non-profit that offers support for pediatric vision care in your area.
Getting Children to Wear Glasses
Currently, there are a lot of fun options designed to help children wear and even love their glasses. Start by letting your child select their frames (within reason). Even though you want them to wear a stately pair of tortoise shell frames, they are more likely to wear glasses they like. If your local optometrist has a small selection, take your prescription online where you may find more trusted, affordable options.
Supplements to Support Healthy Vision in Kids
Your parents probably told you that eating carrots would help you see better. While this is true (carrots are rich in vitamin A), there are other ways to ensure your child’s nutrition is supporting healthy vision development.
Twinlab Ocuguard Blutein Kids Gummies
Two hours of screen time each day can lead to an increase in eye strain, tired eyes, and headaches. Children’s retinas are still developing, making them especially vulnerable to strain as they absorb more blue light from screens. Ocuguard Blutein Gummies from Twinlab offers a nutritional filter against harmful blue light.
Daily Omega Kids from Nordic Naturals
Omega 3s are a doctor-recommended way to support healthy vision and brain development. Daily Omega Kids from Nordic Naturals is a great-tasting supplement to ensure your kids are getting enough of this essential nutrient.
How did you know when your child needs glasses? Share your story with us in the comments section below.
