How Do People Know If Their Child Needs Glasses Before They Are Old Enough to Articulate It?

Children rely heavily on their vision to learn, explore, and connect with the world around them. However, since young kids may not be able to express that they’re having trouble seeing, parents often wonder how they can tell if their child might need glasses. Understanding the signs of common eye conditions and the importance of pediatric eye exams can help ensure your child’s vision develops properly.
 

Common Eye Conditions in Children

One of the most common reasons children may need glasses is due to refractive errors, which affect how light focuses on the retina. These include nearsightedness (myopia), where distant objects appear blurry, and farsightedness (hyperopia), which makes it difficult for children to focus on close-up tasks such as reading or drawing. Another refractive error, astigmatism, occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision at all distances.

Beyond refractive errors, some children may develop other vision conditions that require early detection and treatment. Amblyopia (lazy eye) happens when one eye develops differently than the other, leading the brain to rely more on the stronger eye. If left untreated, amblyopia can cause long-term vision problems. Similarly, strabismus (crossed eyes) occurs when the eyes are misaligned - one eye may turn in, out, up, or down - which can affect depth perception and even cause double vision if not addressed early.
 

Recognizing the Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses

Even without being able to say “I can’t see,” children often show behavioral or physical clues that they may have a vision problem. Look out for signs such as:

• Squinting or tilting the head to see better

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books close to their face

• Frequent eye rubbing or complaining of tired eyes

• Avoiding near tasks like coloring or reading

• Excessive blinking or watery eyes

• Covering one eye or turning the head to use one eye

• Clumsiness or bumping into things frequently

• Difficulty concentrating or short attention span during visual tasks
 

Why Regular Pediatric Eye Exams Are Essential

While vision screenings at school or the pediatrician’s office can catch some issues, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive pediatric eye exam. At Morillo Eye Center, our optometrists use specialized equipment designed for children to evaluate:

• Eye alignment and tracking

• Focusing ability

• Depth perception

• Overall eye health

These exams can detect vision problems long before a child can describe their symptoms, allowing for early intervention and treatment to support proper visual development and learning.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Good vision is essential to a child’s success in school and everyday life. Since young children can’t always communicate when something is wrong, regular pediatric eye exams and awareness of subtle signs can make all the difference. Early detection and treatment can help your child see clearly, develop confidently, and thrive.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam at Morillo Eye Center to ensure your child’s vision is on the right track. Visit our office in Union City, Passaic, Hackensack, or Newark, New Jersey. Please call (201) 867-0199, (973) 777-7600, (201) 242-8785 or (973) 624-2090 to book an appointment today.