As parents, we’re attuned to our children’s needs, especially when it comes to their health and development. But vision issues can often go unnoticed, particularly in young children who may not realize their sight is impaired. At VisionQuest Eyecare, with locations in Greenwood and Fishers, Indiana, we specialize in pediatric eye care and want to help parents recognize the early signs of vision problems before they interfere with learning, confidence, and quality of life.
With the new school year approaching, now is the ideal time to schedule your child’s annual eye exam. Routine exams are a critical part of catching vision problems early and ensuring your child can thrive in and out of the classroom.
Here are five signs that could indicate your child is struggling with their vision—and why prompt action matters.
1. Frequent Squinting or Covering One Eye
If your child frequently squints, tilts their head, or covers one eye while reading or watching TV, it could be a sign of a refractive error, such as nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness, or astigmatism. These behaviors may be your child’s way of trying to compensate for blurry vision or double vision.
At VisionQuest Eyecare, we offer myopia management programs specifically designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Early intervention can help preserve your child’s long-term vision and reduce the need for stronger prescriptions as they grow.
2. Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain
Children may not always express that their vision is blurry, but they might mention headaches, especially after school or screen time. Repeated complaints of eye discomfort, fatigue, or headaches could indicate a vision issue like eye misalignment or uncorrected refractive error.
These symptoms can also be linked to binocular vision disorders, where the eyes struggle to work together properly. At VisionQuest Eyecare, we offer vision therapy, a customized, non-surgical treatment program designed to improve coordination between the eyes and brain. This therapy can be a game-changer for children struggling with reading, attention, or eye tracking in the classroom.
3. Difficulty Reading or Losing Place While Reading
Does your child skip lines, lose their place, or use their finger to track words while reading? These behaviors may seem minor, but they often indicate problems with visual tracking, focus, or convergence, skills critical for academic success.
In many cases, kids are misdiagnosed with attention issues or learning difficulties when the root of the problem is actually vision-related. Our vision therapy services are designed to target and strengthen these exact visual skills, supporting better reading fluency and comprehension.
4. Sitting Too Close to Screens or Holding Books Very Close
When children consistently sit close to the TV or hold devices and books inches from their face, it’s often a red flag for myopia (nearsightedness). With increased screen time both in school and at home, early-onset myopia is becoming more common among children.
Through our myopia management services at VisionQuest Eyecare, we provide evidence-based treatments such as Ortho-K lenses, atropine eye drops, and specialty contact lenses to help slow myopia’s progression and reduce the long-term risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and retinal detachment.
5. Eye Rubbing, Watery Eyes, or Sensitivity to Light
Excessive eye rubbing, especially while trying to focus, could indicate digital eye strain, allergies, or even more serious conditions such as convergence insufficiency or uncorrected hyperopia. Children might also avoid bright lights or squint in daylight if they’re experiencing light sensitivity.
Our pediatric eye exams at VisionQuest Eyecare go beyond basic vision screenings. We evaluate overall eye health and look for signs of eye conditions that can interfere with your child’s comfort and visual development.
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter
Many vision problems begin in early childhood and worsen over time if left untreated. School vision screenings, while helpful, often miss key visual skills needed for reading, learning, and playing. That’s why the American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam every year for school-aged children.
At VisionQuest Eyecare, we tailor each pediatric exam to your child’s age and needs, using kid-friendly techniques to ensure a positive experience. And if vision issues are detected, our team will guide you through treatment options like prescription glasses, myopia control, or vision therapy.
Vision Care with a Personal Touch
VisionQuest Eyecare is dedicated to supporting your child’s development with compassionate, comprehensive care. With convenient locations in Greenwood and Fishers, our offices are equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a full range of pediatric vision issues.
Whether it’s choosing the right glasses frames your child feels confident in, starting a myopia control plan, or designing a vision therapy program, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today
Don’t wait until the school year starts to find out your child is struggling with their vision. Help set them up for success—academically, socially, and physically—with a thorough eye exam at VisionQuest Eyecare.
Book an appointment now at our Greenwood or Fishers location and give your child the clear, comfortable vision they deserve.
Dr. Anjali Shah is an optometrist at VisionQuest Eyecare with a passion for helping others. She graduated from the State University of New York College of Optometry, with advanced training in pediatrics and ocular diseases through her internship and residency. She is a national speaker in the field of myopia management, qualified to prescribe advanced myopia management treatments to slow the condition’s progression.