Visual screenings at schools identify only about 25 percent of the kids who have trouble seeing. Children themselves often don’t realize they have a vision problem, because they think everyone sees the world the way they do.

So, it’s important for parents to watch for signs of vision impairment. The earlier you catch a problem, the easier it is to treat, say experts. That’s because children’s visual systems are still developing in elementary school.

When your child reads, draws or plays, watch for these warning signs. Does your child:

• Rub his eyes, squint, tilt his head or close or cover one eye when doing close work?

• Avoid close work?

• Lose interest quickly?

• Hold books close to his face?

• Lose her place while reading?

• Complain of headaches, dizziness or nausea?

• Sit close to the TV?

• Seem unusually clumsy?

• Confuse left and right?

• Write crookedly?

• Have red or crusty eyes?

If you suspect a problem, make an appointment with an eye doctor. Be sure to talk with your child’s teacher, too. She can watch for signs during school.

Copyright © Parent Institute