It’s not uncommon for kids to have a tough time focusing in school, but sometimes the problem isn’t attention or behavior. It could be their eyes.
Many vision problems in children go unnoticed because kids don’t realize what “normal” vision should look like. They might think everyone sees the world the way they do. As a result, struggles in the classroom—difficulty reading, frequently losing their place, or avoiding schoolwork—can sometimes be misinterpreted as learning difficulties or attention issues.
It’s important to understand, though, that vision problems don’t cause learning disorders. However, they can mimic or intensify them, which is why distinguishing between the two is crucial. At TrueVision Eye Care, our skilled pediatric optometrists in Raleigh, NC, can help determine whether your child’s academic challenges are related to their vision and guide you toward the right solutions.
Signs of vision problems in children
Kids don’t always complain when their vision isn’t right, which is why it’s important to watch for subtle signs like:
- Squinting, covering one eye, or tilting their head while reading
- Holding books or screens very close to their face
- Losing their place while reading or skipping lines
- Trouble concentrating on schoolwork
- Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
- Poor hand-eye coordination or clumsiness
If you’ve noticed any of these behaviors, it’s crucial to consult an eye doctor. Many children with undiagnosed vision problems may be misdiagnosed with ADHD or labeled as inattentive when the real issue is how their eyes are functioning. Even if your child passed a school vision screening with flying colors, they could still be struggling with visual skills that affect reading and learning.
Why a school vision screening isn’t enough
School-based screenings and the basic tests conducted at your child’s family eye doctor’s office may only check for common issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. While these tests are helpful for catching basic vision problems, they often miss more complex or subtle vision issues that could affect your child’s ability to perform well in school.
Good vision is about more than seeing clearly at a distance. It also involves:
- Eye tracking and focusing
- Peripheral vision
- Depth perception
- Visual processing
- Binocular vision (how well the eyes work together as a team)
- Checking for common eye conditions such as lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus)
At TrueVision Eye Care, our pediatric eye exams go beyond the basics to evaluate how your child’s entire visual system is working. We check how your child’s eyes work together, how they track across a page, and how well they focus up close. These skills are critical for reading, writing, and staying engaged in class.
Expert support tailored to your child’s needs
At TrueVision Eye Care, we offer everything your child needs for healthy vision and a better quality of life. We’re passionate about helping kids reach their full potential with:
- Children’s eyewear: We offer stylish, durable frames designed with kids in mind. Our optical team will take precise measurements to ensure your child’s eyeglasses fit perfectly.
- Vision therapy: Vision therapy is a customized program designed to improve visual skills like eye tracking, focusing, and coordination.
- Myopia management: Regular glasses and contact lenses won’t slow myopia progression, but myopia management will! We offer proven solutions to slow the progression of nearsightedness, lowering your child’s risk of developing more serious eye problems later in life.
- Sports vision training: We help young athletes improve their reaction time, hand-eye coordination, peripheral awareness, and other critical skills!
Every child is unique, and our care is tailored to their individual needs. Whether your child needs glasses for the first time or advanced support for more complex vision challenges, our experts will provide exceptional care in a friendly environment.
Schedule an appointment today
When your child sees clearly and comfortably, everything becomes a little bit easier, from reading and learning to after-school activities. If you’ve noticed your child struggling in school, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify any vision issues that might be affecting their performance. Schedule an appointment with our experts today!