Six Signs Your Grade Schooler Needs to See the Eye Doctor

Kids need to see the eye doctor periodically to ensure that they have good vision. Children in school need good vision to see the whiteboard, participate in class lessons and read their books. If your child needs vision correction and doesn’t get help from an eye doctor, this could lead to poor school performance and a negative attitude toward learning. Below are the signs that your child needs to see the eye doctor in Champaign, IL.

Symptoms of Eye Trouble in Children

There are many signs that your child needs to see the eye doctor. Here’s what to watch for:

  1. Squinting. Squinting limits how much light enters the eye and focuses light in the center of the retina. Some children squint because it can have the same effect as wearing glasses.
  2. Sitting close to TV or white board. Your child may be choosing a seat near the front of the classroom so they can see clearly.
  3. Struggles with reading. If your child struggles to track words across the page, or if your child has low stamina for reading, this could be a sign that your child needs glasses.
  4. Frequent headaches. Straining to see can cause headaches, so if your child gets headaches frequently, this could be a sign of vision trouble.
  5. Rubs eyes often. Your child may be rubbing their eyes to rub the poor vision away – this is a common method children use to resolve their problem.
  6. Closes one eye to see things up close or far away. If your child has a vision problem, one eye may be stronger than the other. If this is the case, they may be closing their eyes to use their stronger eye.

Noticing Signs of a Vision Problem? Bring Your Child to the Eye Doctor

If you believe your child needs to see the doctor for an eye exam in Champiagn, IL, contact Champaign Eye Professionals to make an appointment.

How Can I Tell If My Baby Has Eye Trouble?

Babies can have vision trouble just like adults. Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your baby has healthy eyes, or if they need to see an eye doctor in Champaign, IL. Below are four signs that your child’s eye health may need attention from an expert.

Eyes Misaligned After Four Months Old

Sometimes when babies are newborns, their eyes will cross from time to time. This is normal for babies this young, because their bodies haven’t fully learned how to align the movements of the eyes. Babies should grow out of this by the time they’re four months old. If your baby still has crossed eyes and is older than four months, see the eye doctor.

Eyes Can’t Track Objects

By the time your baby is about three months old, they should be able to track slow moving objects with their eyes. If they can’t follow an object that passes from one side of their field of vision to the other, it could be a sign of trouble.

Eye Discomfort

Eye discomfort is another sign of a problem that should be addressed by an eye doctor. This discomfort includes discharge, eye redness, puffiness, itchiness and watery eyes. If you notice your baby rubbing at or batting at their eyes, make an appointment to see a professional.

Have Concerns? Speak to the Eye Doctor

If you have concerns about your baby’s eye health, speak to the eye doctor. Make an appointment with Champaign Eye Professionals for an eye exam in Champaign IL. Making the appointment sooner rather than later can help catch problems in their early stages, when they’re often easier to correct. Call soon!

Does My Baby Have a Lazy Eye?

A lazy eye is a condition that many parents notice in their children when their children are just babies. If your baby has a lazy eye, it’s helpful to know what that means and what you can do about the problem.

What Is a Lazy Eye?

A lazy eye is a condition also known as strabismus. Lazy eye occurs when the eyes don’t line up together. The eye that is straighter becomes the dominant eye, and the eye that is more crooked becomes the “lazy eye.” Babies eyes often cross when they’re first born. The lazy eye may straighten up when the baby is more awake and alert, and then becomes more crooked when they’re tired.

Should I Be Concerned If My Baby Has a Lazy Eye?

While it’s common for babies to have some wandering and crossed eyes when they’re first born, this problem usually corrects itself by the time the baby is about four months old. If the problem hasn’t corrected itself within the first four months, it’s a good idea to take your baby to see the eye doctor for an eye examination in Champaign IL. This is likely strabismus.

When Should My Child Get Treated for Strabismus?

The earlier that you bring your child to the eye doctor in Champaign IL, the better. Strabismus is easier to correct when your child is very young, and harder to correct as your child gets older. Working with the eye doctor from an early age can help ensure that your child will get their problem taken care of before it becomes permanent.

Does your baby have a wandering eye? Are you wondering if it could be strabismus? Make an appointment with your eye doctor at Champaign Eye Professionals. Call today.

My Child Is Squinting In School. What Now?

A child who squints in school is probably having trouble seeing. Vision problems can impact a child’s learning and academic success.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take as a parent to ensure that your child is successful in the classroom, including getting their vision checked. First, take your child to see the eye doctor in Champaign, IL.

See the Eye Doctor in Champaign, IL

Start by seeing the eye doctor to get your child’s vision examined. If your child has trouble seeing clearly, this will become apparent during the appointment with the eye doctor.

If your child needs it, the eye doctor will write a prescription for corrective lenses. Plan to bring your child back to the eye doctor annually thereafter for a checkup, and to see if your child’s prescription is significantly changed.

Tips to Help Your Child Pick Glasses

If your child is prescribed corrective lenses, make the experience a positive one. Your child will likely want to choose their own glasses.

If you’re concerned about your child choosing glasses that are outside your price range, find several that are in your price range and give your child the option to choose any one of those.

Work with the clerk in the showroom to choose glasses that are the right size for your child. Maintain a positive attitude throughout the selection process. The more positive the experience is for your child, the easier it may be to get your child to wear their glasses.

Know When to Take Your Child to See the Eye Doctor

Does your child have a hard time seeing in school or in other environments? Sounds like it may be time to take your child to the eye doctor for an eye exam in Champaign, IL. To make your child’s appointment, contact the professionals at Champaign Eye Professionals.