5 signs your child may need eyeglasses: Tips from an ophthalmologist

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when your child needs glasses. Sometimes children may not even realise they have a vision problem, which can lead to difficulties in school and other areas of life. Dr Ankush Mahajan, MBBS, MS Ophthalmology, who is an alumnus of Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, Jalandhar, suggests that parents watch out for certain signs that may indicate their child needs glasses.

Signs your child needs glasses

Frequent blinking of eyes: If your child is blinking frequently, it could be a sign that they are straining to see clearly. This could indicate a need for glasses.

Frequent rubbing of eyes: If your child is rubbing their eyes frequently, it may be a sign of eye strain or fatigue. This could also indicate a need for glasses.

Recurrent stye or swelling in eyelids: Frequent styes or swelling in the eyelids could indicate an underlying eye problem, which may require glasses or other treatment.

Inability to copy properly from dashboard: If your child is having trouble copying from the chalkboard or whiteboard at school, it could be a sign of vision problems.

Frequent headaches: Frequent headaches can be a symptom of eye strain, which may require glasses to correct.

If your child already has glasses and is unable to see clearly, it may be time for a full eye check-up. Spectacle prescription can be negative or positive. “Positive numbers usually stay the same throughout life, so if a child with a positive number is not seeing clearly, they may have a lazy eye or some other eye problem,” the doctor says. “Negative numbers can increase until the age of 20. This increase can happen because of an increase in the height of the child, excessive near work, particularly using small screens like mobiles, iPads, laptops to read or watch videos or play video games. Therefore, if your child has a negative number and is not seeing clearly, they need a full eye check-up.”

What is the right kind of glasses for children?

Children are quite active and prone to fall. So, when it comes to choosing the right kind of glasses for children, Dr Ankush Mahajan recommends light weight glasses with plastic lenses that won’t shatter in the event of a fall. The frames should also be light weight, and the glasses should have an elastic headband to prevent them from slipping.

It’s important for parents to take their child’s vision seriously and to seek professional help if they notice any signs of vision problems. Early detection and treatment can prevent vision problems from worsening and can help children thrive in school and other areas of life.