Children's Vision

The American Optometric Association estimates that 1 in 4 children have a vision problem that affects their ability to learn. Furthermore, 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision problems. These vision problems, when left untreated, can affect learning and quality of life throughout adulthood. Often times, children do not complain about any visual symptoms. Most believe that they are seeing what everybody else is. In fact, your child can have vision problems even if he/she sees 20/20! Visual clarity is only one aspect of vision. Did you know that you need to be efficient at 17 different visual skills to succeed in reading, learning, sports, and in life? It is important to look out for the signs and symptoms that may indicate your child has a learning-related vision problem.

 
Vision is more than 20/20
 

Symptoms of a visual concern:

  • Double vision

  • Blurred vision at near

  • Fluctuating vision

  • Headaches or eyestrain associated with near work

  • Words running together when reading

  • Vision worse at the end of the day

  • Skipping/rereading/omitting words while reading

  • Using a finger as a marker while reading

  • Head tilt or closing an eye while reading

  • Difficulty copying from the chalkboard

  • Avoidance of reading or near work

  • Holding reading material close

  • Writing uphill or downhill

  • Reading comprehension declining over time

  • Letter or word reversal after the first grade

  • Inconsistent/poor sports performance

binocular+problems.jpg
 
 

If you think your child may have a vision problem, consider filling out a Quality of Life Symptom Checklist. If you score 25 or higher, call our office at (905) 239-5678 to schedule a visual skills assessment with Dr. Yew.