Vision problems in children can have a significant impact on their learning, development, and overall quality of life.

At D.I. Blow Opticians, we recognise the importance of early detection and intervention for maintaining optimal vision in children. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of some of the key signs to watch out for that may indicate a vision problem in your child.

Key Signs Of Vision Problems In Children

1. Squinting or Eye Rubbing:

If you notice your child frequently squinting or rubbing their eyes, it could be a sign of vision strain or fatigue. Squinting helps to temporarily improve focus by reducing the amount of light entering the eye.

Similarly, eye rubbing may indicate discomfort or irritation, often associated with conditions such as dry eye or allergies. Persistent squinting or eye rubbing warrants further evaluation by an optometrist to rule out underlying vision issues.

2. Sitting Close to the TV or Holding Books Close to the Face:

Children with uncorrected vision problems may instinctively sit closer to the television or hold books and electronic devices close to their face to compensate for blurred vision. This behaviour can indicate short sightedness (myopia) or other refractive errors that affect distance vision.

If your child consistently exhibits this behaviour, it may be time to schedule an eye examination.

3. Complaints of Headaches or Eye Strain:

Frequent complaints of headaches, eye strain, or fatigue, especially after reading or engaging in close-up tasks, can signal underlying vision problems.

Children may struggle to articulate their discomfort accurately, so it’s essential to pay attention to subtle cues and observe any changes in behaviour or mood associated with visual tasks.

4. Avoidance of Near or Distance Activities:

Children with undetected vision problems may avoid activities that require clear vision, such as reading, drawing, or participating in sports. They may express reluctance or frustration when asked to engage in tasks that strain their visual abilities.

Observing your child’s participation in various activities can provide valuable insights into their visual comfort and confidence.

5. Poor Academic Performance:

Vision plays a crucial role in learning, and undiagnosed vision problems can hinder a child’s academic progress. If your child demonstrates difficulties with reading comprehension, writing, or focusing on classroom tasks, it’s essential to consider the possibility of underlying vision issues.

Regular eye examinations can help identify and address vision problems early, allowing children to thrive academically. To understand why these check-ups matter so much, and how often your child should have one, see our full guide on the importance of regular eye exams for children.

If your child is due an exam, our guide on what to expect in children’s eye tests walks through exactly what happens, from first infant exams to what age to start.

Already had the test done? Our guide on understanding the results of your child’s eye test explains what those results actually mean. And if screens are a big part of your child’s day, our guide on screen time and children’s eyes covers what parents should know.

With Easter half-term approaching, now is an excellent time to ensure your child’s eyes are in good health. Schedule an eye examination at D.I. Blow Opticians and give them the gift of clear vision and academic success.

Recognising the signs of vision problems in children is the first step towards ensuring their visual health and overall well-being.

The post How to Recognise Signs of Vision Problems in Children appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Conditions such as myopia can be detected early on with routine eye exams, which is why visiting your opticians regularly is important.

Myopia can’t be cured, but it’s easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses, and in children its progression can now be slowed. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, otherwise known as shortsightedness, is a common vision condition whereby near objects appear clear but objects further away appear blurry or distorted.

For example, a person with short sight will be able to see things up close quite clearly, like when they’re reading. However, for tasks that require distance vision, like driving or watching TV, their vision will appear blurred.

Signs And Symptoms Of Myopia

Symptoms of myopia can include:

• Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
• Frequent headaches or eyestrain when trying to focus on things far away
• The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly

Symptoms in children will be more difficult to spot, however common symptoms include:

• Persistent squinting
• Appearing unaware of distant objects
• Excessive blinking
• Rubbing their eyes frequently
• Sitting close to the television

If your child is showing signs of myopia, you can book a visit with us by using our store locator.

Additionally, read our blog on the importance of routine children’s eye exams.

Causes Of Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye is effectively too long, meaning the distance between the cornea (the clear window at the front of the eye) and the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) is too far apart. This is known as a refractive error.

Long term, this means that any light entering the eye is focused before it reaches the retina, which in turn causes blurred vision.

Studies show that you are far more likely to develop myopia if one of your parents has it. However, genes aren’t the whole story. Other risk factors for myopia include prolonged close-up activities, screen time and environmental conditions.

Other refractive errors include:

• Longsightedness (hyperopia). This occurs when your eyeball is shorter than a typical eye or your cornea is curved too little. Some people may perceive distant objects as somewhat clear, but near objects appear blurry. For some people with long-sightedness, objects are blurry at all distances.
• Astigmatism. This occurs when your cornea or lens is curved more steeply in one direction than in another. Your vision will become distorted or blurry at all distances.

If you have any concerns, it’s important that you visit your optometrist to discuss any potential problems.

Is There A Cure For Myopia?

Although there is no cure for the condition, the good news is that myopia can be easily corrected with the correct glasses or contact lenses.

The solution could be as simple as wearing your glasses or contact lenses all the time, or when you need them for clear distance vision, like when you’re driving or watching a movie at the cinema.

For adults, there is the option of laser eye surgery, which can correct myopia. Your optician will be able to help you choose the right option for you.

Can myopia Be Slowed in Children?

Yes. Myopia usually gets worse through childhood as the eye grows, and higher levels of myopia carry a greater risk of eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment. Myopia management aims to slow that progression. It doesn’t reverse myopia, and children still need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.

The main options are:

• Myopia Management Glasses Lenses: Which look like ordinary glasses but have a special lens design.
• Myopia Management Contact Lenses: Usually soft, daily lenses.
• Orthokeratology (ortho-k): Rigid lenses worn overnight that gently reshape the front of the eye.
• Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: In November 2025, the MHRA licensed the first low-dose atropine drop for slowing myopia in children aged 3 to 14. It’s prescription-only, from optometrists and ophthalmologists with the right qualifications and isn’t currently available on the NHS.

Spending more time outdoors is also linked with a lower risk of myopia developing. Which option suits a child depends on their age, their prescription, and how quickly its changingm so it’s a decision to make with your optometrist.

When To Seek Professional Help

It’s important that you seek emergency care with an eye care specialist if you suddenly develop any of the following:

• Sudden appearance of multiple floaters (tiny specks or lines that seem to drift through your field of vision).
• Flashes of light in one or both eyes
• A grey shadow covering all or part of your field of vision
• A shadow in your outer or side vision (peripheral vision)

These are warning signs of the retina becoming detached from the back of the eye. Unfortunately, significant short-sightedness is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, so it’s important to be aware of any sudden changes.

The Bottom Line

Both children and adults may not be aware of problems with vision or changes that happen gradually. It’s important that you make regular eye exams a part of both yours and your child’s lifestyle to eliminate any risks and detect eye conditions before they cause any damage.

For more on myopia and other common eye conditions, see our full eye health guide.

To book an eye exam online at one of our branches, use our store locator.

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