Top Signs Your Child May Need Glasses This Year

Have you ever walked into a room to find your child sitting just inches from the TV? Or maybe they squint when trying to read signs while you’re driving? If you’ve noticed these behaviors and wondered what they mean, you’re not alone. Many parents miss the early signs that their child might need glasses.

Vision problems are surprisingly common among children, and catching them early can make a huge difference in your child’s learning and development. In this guide, we’ll break down the top signs your child may need glasses and what you can do about it.

Why Kids’ Vision Matters More Than You Might Think

Think about how much your child’s day involves using their eyes—reading, writing, playing sports, using screens, even just recognizing friends from across the room. So when something’s not quite right with their vision, it can affect their schoolwork, confidence, and even behavior.

The American Optometric Association recommends that children have their first eye exam by age 1, again at age 3, and right before they start school. But even with regular checkups, problems can pop up in between—so it’s important to know the warning signs.

10 Common Signs Your Child Might Need Glasses

Here are some of the biggest red flags to watch for if you suspect your child has vision issues:

• Squinting often: Squinting helps temporarily improve focus by reducing the amount of light entering the eyes. If your child is doing this frequently, they could be trying to compensate for blurred vision.
• Complaining of headaches or eye strain: Eye strain and tension headaches—especially around the forehead or eyebrows—can be caused by constantly trying to focus.
• Holding books or devices too close: If your child brings books, tablets, or phones unusually close to their face, it could be a sign of nearsightedness.
• Rubbing eyes frequently: This isn’t just about being tired. It might be your child’s way of trying to clear blurry vision or soothe eye discomfort.
• Covering one eye to see better: Kids sometimes try to “fix” blurry or double vision by covering one eye. If you see this happening, it definitely deserves attention.
• Trouble concentrating on schoolwork: It’s easy to mistake vision problems for attention issues. Kids with poor vision may seem distracted because they’re struggling to see the board or their books clearly.
• Falling behind in school: If your child’s grades have dropped without an obvious reason, they might be dealing with undiagnosed vision problems.
• Complaints about blurry vision: This sounds like an obvious one—but don’t dismiss casual comments like “I can’t see the board” or “That’s fuzzy.” These clues matter!
• Avoiding reading or screen time: Kids love screens, so if yours is suddenly avoiding them—or putting off reading—it could be because their eyes hurt or things aren’t clear.
• Tilting their head or turning it to see: If a child looks at things out of the corner of their eye, they may be trying to compensate for uncorrected vision problems or even an eye muscle imbalance.

Could It Be More Than Just Glasses?

Sometimes vision issues aren’t just about needing glasses. Conditions like strabismus (crossed eyes) or amblyopia (lazy eye) can also impact how children see. These are often correctable if diagnosed early, so it’s a good idea to schedule a professional eye exam if you’re unsure.

If your child has a family history of nearsightedness (myopia) or other eye conditions, they may be more likely to develop these issues themselves. Keep that in mind when observing your child’s eye behavior.

What to Do If You Suspect a Vision Problem

So, what’s the next step if your child checks several of the boxes above?

First, don’t panic. These issues are usually easy to address with the help of an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Here’s what you can do:

• Schedule a comprehensive eye exam: Make an appointment with an eye care professional who has experience working with children. Pediatric optometrists often use fun, age-friendly ways to test vision.
• Talk to your child’s teacher: Teachers often notice classroom issues that parents might not see—like difficulties reading the board or keeping up with written work.
• Observe your child during activities: Watch how they interact with toys, books, and screens. Are they sitting too close to the TV or giving up on reading quickly?

Getting glasses can be a big change for kids, but it can also be a game-changer. They might not even realize how much they were missing until their vision is corrected.

Making Glasses Cool (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Worried your child might resist wearing glasses? You’re definitely not alone. But these days, glasses aren’t just functional—they’re fashionable. From fun colors to superhero-inspired frames, there are options that let kids express their personality.

Getting your child involved in picking out frames can help make them more excited about wearing glasses. Let them try on different styles and find something they feel confident in.

Tips to Help Kids Adjust to Wearing Glasses

It may take some time, but with a little patience, your child can get comfortable with their new glasses. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Start with short wear times: Allow them to wear the glasses for short periods, gradually increasing as they adjust.
• Use positive reinforcement: Compliment how they look in their glasses and remind them how much easier things are to see now.
• Lead by example: If you wear glasses, talk openly about how they help you and why you love them!

When in Doubt, Check it Out

Sometimes behavior that seems “normal” is actually your child trying to make do with poor vision. The best thing you can do is stay observant and proactive. Early detection can prevent school struggles, boost their confidence, and support healthy development.

If something feels off, trust your gut. An eye exam is quick, painless, and one of the easiest ways to set your child up for success.

Final Thoughts

Your child’s eyes are their window to the world—so making sure they see clearly is a big deal. Whether it’s holding books too close, squinting, or losing interest in reading, small behaviors can point to big clues about their vision health.

The bottom line? Don’t ignore the signs your child may need glasses. A simple eye exam could make all the difference in their school performance, confidence, and overall happiness. And who knows—they might even love their new look!

Have questions or think your child might need an eye exam? Talk to your pediatrician or book an appointment with a trusted eye professional today.