Myopia commonly referred to as “nearsightedness” is the name of the condition when objects in the distance appear blurry. Myopia is the result of light focusing in front of the retina rather than on it. Difficulty seeing in the distance can be challenging in everyday life and can prove to be more of an obstacle for children struggling with the condition. If you suspect that your child may be dealing with myopia, it’s recommended that you book a kids eye exam with an experienced eye doctor in Vaughan. Dr. Brian Abrams is a trusted optometrist who is experienced with children and can help you support your child so they can get the most out of vision. By addressing myopia in your child early, you can support better socialization, learning, development, physical coordination, and healthier eye development.
Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of myopia. If you spot the signs, book a comprehensive kids eye exam and vision test with Dr. Brian Abrams.
Squinting to See Better
One of the earliest and most noticeable signs of myopia in children is frequent squinting when trying to see distant objects. Squinting temporarily changes the shape of the eye, allowing for clearer vision, but it is not a long-term solution. If you notice your child squinting while watching TV, reading the board at school, or looking at objects far away, they might be feeling the effects of myopia. To intervene early and support your child’s eye development, book an eye exam in Vaughan with Dr. Brian Abrams. We will test visual acuity and check for any other underlying conditions that could affect your child’s health.
Sitting Too Close to Screens or Books
Children with myopia often sit very close to the television, hold tablets or books close to their faces, or lean in too much when writing or drawing. They do this because close-up vision remains clear, while distant vision is blurry. If your child consistently prefers to be very close to screens or reading materials, it may be a sign that they have difficulty seeing clearly at a distance.
Complaints of Blurry Vision
If your child frequently complains that they can’t see things far away, such as the classroom whiteboard, road signs, or distant objects outside, this is a strong indicator of myopia. Pay attention to whether they ask to sit at the front of the classroom or struggle to recognize faces or objects from a distance.
Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
Children with uncorrected myopia often experience headaches, tired eyes, or discomfort, especially after prolonged visual tasks. Since they may strain their eyes to focus, this can lead to eye fatigue and frequent rubbing of the eyes. If your child regularly complains about headaches or appears to have tired, watery, or irritated eyes, it may be a result of struggling to see clearly.
Difficulty in School or Avoidance of Classroom Activities
Vision plays a crucial role in learning, and untreated myopia can negatively impact academic performance. If a child has trouble seeing the board, they may lose focus, struggle to complete assignments, or fall behind in reading. Some children may even avoid schoolwork altogether, appearing uninterested or frustrated. If your child’s teacher notices a decline in their participation or performance, book a kids eye exam. When it comes to detecting changes in vision in young children, it’s a good idea to keep an open line of communication with your child’s teacher as well as your child. Teachers are often around kids in situations where challenges with vision are on display. If you notice any concerns, talk to your child’s teacher and your eye doctor in Vaughan.
Poor Performance in Sports and Outdoor Activities
Since myopia affects distance vision, children with the condition may have trouble tracking balls, catching objects, or judging distances during physical activities. This can lead to clumsiness, a lack of confidence in sports, or a preference for indoor activities. If your child struggles with coordination or frequently misjudges distances, there could be an unaddressed vision problem causing these challenges.
Excessive Eye Rubbing
If your child rubs their eyes frequently, they are facing increased eye strain and fatigue. Nearsighted children often rub their eyes to relieve discomfort caused by trying to focus on blurry objects. If your child constantly rubs their eyes, especially after visual activities like reading, watching TV, or using digital screens, it may indicate an underlying vision problem.
Detect Myopia with Kids Eye Exams in Vaughan
Recognizing the signs of myopia early and seeking professional care is crucial for your child’s overall development, confidence, and well-being. Myopia tends to worsen over time, and without proper management, it can increase the risk of serious eye conditions in adulthood.
Early intervention, such as glasses, contact lenses, or myopia control treatments, can slow the progression of myopia and help protect your child’s eye health in the long-term. To get started, book an eye exam with a trusted eye doctor in Vaughan for kids, Dr. Brian Abrams. With many years of experience our team will tend to you and your family with care and knowledge.
