Is My Child’s Vision Getting Worse?
We all want our children to have the best possible vision health, and while getting regular eye exams for your child can help with the question, ‘Is my child’s vision getting worse?’, there are also a few things to keep in mind about your child’s eye health.
What is the normal vision for a child?
Since vision can change so quickly for children, a child may have normal vision in an eye exam, but not 20/20 vision acuity. Visual acuity is the sharpness of an image that is 20 feet away.
During the exam, an optometrist will also check your child’s eye coordination and peripheral vision, among other tests, to see how your child’s eyes perform at different angles and distances.
According to Prevent Blindness, it’d be a good idea for your child to meet with an Independent Doctor of Optometry at For Eyes if:
- Your child’s visual acuity is less than 20/50 between ages 3 to 4.
- Your child’s visual acuity is less than 20/40 between ages 4 to 6.
For instance, a preschooler with 20/30 vision might be recognized as someone with keen eyesight because it's likely their vision will develop naturally into 20/20 by first grade. It is important to discuss visual acuity and what is “normal” with your child’s optometrist.
Is my child’s vision getting worse?
If you wonder if your child has eyesight deterioration or if you are curious about how to know if your child needs glasses, ask yourself:
- Is your child complaining of blurry vision in one eye or both eyes?
- Is your child constantly rubbing their eyes?
- Is your child experiencing light sensitivity?
- Does your child have a hard time concentrating?
- Does your child squint more than usual?
- Are your child’s eyes red or teary?
If your child has shown vision loss symptoms such as these, it is time to take them in for an eye exam. With a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist will be able to tell you if your child’s vision is getting worse and what you can do about it.
Are video games and screen time causing my child’s vision to get worse?
After using a digital device, according to the American Optometric Association, 80 percent of children say that they experience blurry, fatigued, and itchy eyes. And at least 18 percent of children spend time on screens for at least seven hours per day.
Playing video games and using other digital screens at close range can also lead to symptoms of nearsightedness. If your child is experiencing any symptoms of digital eye strain, it may be because they have spent too much time in front of the screen.
Limiting time on screens can be helpful when it comes to video games and mobile devices. Also, ensure that your child rests their eyes after spending extended periods looking at a screen. It’s also important to keep devices at a proper distance away from your child’s eyes.
Summary: Is my child’s vision getting worse?
If you ask yourself, ‘Is my child’s vision getting worse?’, then keep in mind the symptoms of child eyesight deterioration. Also, consider how much screen time your child is getting.
Here’s how to know if your child’s vision is getting worse or if your child may need glasses:
- Your child is experiencing blurry vision or is rubbing their eyes a lot.
- Your child spends more than an hour a day on digital devices.
As always, if you suspect that your child’s vision is getting worse, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your child’s optometrist.
Book your eye exam at For Eyes
Have you had your annual comprehensive eye exam? Schedule an appointment with an Independent Doctor of Optometry at your local For Eyes.
