If your child is squinting at the TV, avoiding homework, or complaining about headaches, it’s easy to wonder whether something more is going on with their vision. These early signs can be subtle, but they’re often the first clues that a child may need glasses.

This guide is for parents who want clarity about their child’s visual health—and want trustworthy answers from a local provider. With Austin Optics’ reputation as a leading eye care practice in Forest Hills, you’ll understand what to look for and when it’s time to schedule a pediatric eye exam.

Contact Lens Exams

Your Child’s Initial Reaction

Vision problems affect how children learn, interact, and perform in school. Many kids don’t realize what “normal” vision feels like, so they rely on behaviors—not words—to communicate discomfort. Ignoring early symptoms can lead to:

– Worsening myopia or astigmatism

– Increased eye strain and headaches

– Struggles with reading, writing, and classroom performance

– Potential long-term issues like amblyopia (“lazy eye”)

Understanding these signs empowers parents to take action before small issues become bigger ones.

Key The Observable Signs

  1. Squinting to See the Board or TV

Squinting temporarily sharpens focus when vision is blurry. It’s one of the most common signs of nearsightedness or astigmatism.

  1. Sitting Too Close to Screens

If your child constantly moves closer to the TV or holds tablets inches from their face, their distance vision may be compromised.

  1. Holding Books Very Close

This is a classic red flag for focusing problems, especially in children who struggle with sustained reading.

  1. Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain

Kids may describe this as “my head hurts after school.” It often signals uncorrected refractive errors.

  1. Rubbing Eyes Excessively

Eye rubbing—especially during reading or screen time—can indicate fatigue, dryness, or undiagnosed hyperopia or astigmatism.

  1. Covering One Eye While Reading

Children do this instinctively to compensate for one eye that isn’t seeing clearly.

  1. Losing Their Place While Reading

This may point to eye teaming or tracking issues, which often require more than just glasses.

  1. Avoiding Homework or Reading

Kids don’t avoid tasks they can see comfortably. Avoidance is often linked to visual strain.

  1. Complaints of Blurry Vision (Near or Far)

Even vague complaints should be taken seriously—children rarely invent vision problems.

Understanding Underlying Clinical Conditions

Understanding the signs becomes easier when you know what they point to:

– Myopia (Nearsightedness): Sitting close to screens, squinting at the board

– Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Headaches, rubbing eyes, difficulty with near tasks

– Astigmatism: Distorted letters, squinting, complaints about clarity

– Amblyopia: Covering one eye, depth perception difficulties

– Focusing or eye teaming issues: Losing their place when reading

All of these conditions are detectable during a comprehensive pediatric eye exam, which reveals far more than a basic school screening can.

Why You Need Pediatric Eye Exam

A true child eye exam includes:

– Visual acuity testing

– Assessment for refractive errors

– Eye alignment and teaming evaluation

– Screening for amblyopia and early myopia

– Examination of overall ocular health

At Austin Optics, we also guide parents through long-term monitoring—especially for conditions like progressive myopia that can worsen quickly without professional care.

What Parents Must Always Note

– Watch for behavioral clues like squinting, eye rubbing, or sitting too close.

– Early detection prevents long-term complications.

– Vision problems often mimic “attention issues” in school.

– Children may not verbalize symptoms—they adapt instead.

– A pediatric eye exam offers definitive answers and peace of mind.

Reasons To Use Austin Optics

With cutting-edge diagnostic tools and a reputation as Forest Hills’ award-winning eye health provider, Austin Optics delivers clarity at every step of your child’s care. Families rely on us for:

– Decades of combined clinical experience

– Advanced pediatric testing technology

– Expertise in early myopia detection and treatment

– A gentle, kid-friendly exam environment

– Personalized care backed by our 2021 Best Local Eye Health Practice award

If your child is showing even one of these signs, don’t wait for their vision to worsen. Early detection protects eye health, supports learning, and prevents long-term complications.

Book a pediatric eye exam at Austin Optics today—your child deserves to see their world clearly.

Contact Austin Optics:
 Phone: +718-261-8655
 Email: [email protected]
 Corporate Office: Austin Optics (Forest Hills, NY)

Book your appointment today at https://austinoptics.com/ and begin the holidays with fresh, clear vision.