Kids don’t always tell you when something’s wrong – especially with their vision. They may not realize anything is off, or they may struggle to describe what they’re experiencing.
Here’s what Plano parents need to watch for, and when to bring them in for a pediatric eye exam at Constant Eye Care.
Kids Rarely Say “I Can’t See” – But Their Behavior Will
If you’re waiting for your child to announce they need glasses, you might be waiting a long time. Kids don’t always recognize vision problems for what they are – especially if they’ve never experienced clear vision before. Instead of asking for help, they adapt. They squint. They tilt their heads. They sit too close to the screen. And many parents only realize something’s off after a teacher mentions it – or after grades start slipping.
Vision issues in children are often subtle at first. Unlike adults, kids don’t always know that what they’re seeing isn’t normal. That’s why it’s critical to know the non-verbal cues and habits that often indicate a child is struggling with their eyesight.
Below are some of the most common signs that your child may need glasses.
The Sneaky Symptoms: Signs Your Child May Need Glasses
Not all signs of poor vision are dramatic. Most are woven into everyday behavior. If your child does any of the following on a regular basis, it’s time to consider a pediatric eye exam:
Common Behavioral Cues
- Squinting, especially when looking at distant objects like the board at school
- Covering one eye to see better
- Tilting their head or adjusting their chin
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books/tablets inches from their face
- Excessive eye rubbing, even when they’re not tired
- Complaining of headaches or eye strain after reading or screen time
- Difficulty concentrating on visual tasks like reading or puzzles
- Clumsiness – frequent tripping, bumping into objects, or knocking things over
Academic & Emotional Impact
- Falling behind in reading or showing a reluctance to read
- Trouble maintaining focus during homework
- Unexpected behavioral shifts, like frustration or acting out in class
- Avoiding schoolwork that used to come easily
Many of these signs fly under the radar – especially if the child has gradually adjusted to their vision issues over time. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam is essential, even if your child hasn’t said anything.
Why Vision Problems in Kids Often Go Undetected
Even attentive parents can miss vision issues – because kids compensate well. Some children memorize classroom materials by ear. Others avoid reading altogether and shift their focus to activities that don’t strain their eyes. And because vision changes can happen slowly, your child may not notice the decline until it’s significant.
The start of a new school year is one of the most common times vision problems are discovered. Why? Because academic tasks often reveal issues that summer activities didn’t. That’s why many pediatric optometrists recommend back-to-school eye exams – even if your child passed their school vision screening. Those screenings are helpful, but they’re no replacement for a full pediatric exam with an optometrist.
Pediatric Eye Exams in Plano: What to Expect
At Constant Eye Care, we make pediatric eye care simple, stress-free, and even a little fun. During a child’s eye exam, our team checks more than just how clearly your child can see.
We assess:
- Visual acuity (how clearly they see at near and far distances)
- Eye teaming and tracking (how well their eyes work together)
- Focusing ability (how easily they shift between distances)
- Overall eye health, including screening for early signs of conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (eye turn)
Dr. Julie Ngo, O.D., has years of experience working with children and helping parents get clear answers. Her calm, approachable demeanor helps kids feel at ease while making sure nothing goes unnoticed.
Our office welcomes kids of all ages – from toddlers needing their first eye exam to teens struggling with screen-related eye strain. We also offer a wide selection of children’s glasses if your child needs corrective lenses.
Kids’ Glasses and Vision Care in Plano, TX
Plano parents trust Constant Eye Care to keep their children’s vision on track – especially when kids can’t articulate what’s wrong. If you’ve noticed any of the behaviors mentioned above, or if you just want to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy before the school year ramps up, we’re here to help.
Give us a call at 972-943-0004 or request an appointment online to schedule a pediatric eye exam. Catching vision issues early can make all the difference in your child’s confidence, comfort, and academic success.
We’re proud to provide children’s eye care for families throughout Plano, Murphy, Richardson, and Garland.
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