As parents, we do our best to ensure our children are healthy, happy, and thriving. But when it comes to their eyesight, the signs of a problem can be easy to miss—especially in young kids who don’t yet know how to describe what they’re experiencing. Vision issues can affect everything from school performance to confidence and even behavior.

At The Eye Man, we’ve seen firsthand how undiagnosed vision problems can impact a child’s daily life. And in a city like New York, where screens, schoolwork, and city lights constantly demand sharp vision, keeping an eye on your child’s eye health is more important than ever. Here’s what to look for and what you can do to ensure they see the world clearly.
 

Frequent Squinting or Closing One Eye

If your child squints often or covers one eye while reading or watching TV, it may indicate nearsightedness, farsightedness, or even astigmatism. Squinting helps sharpen focus temporarily, but it’s not a fix—only an eye exam can determine the right correction.
 

Holding Books or Screens Too Close

In a world where kids are glued to tablets and phones, it’s easy to overlook this sign. But if your child consistently holds objects very close to their face, it could mean they’re struggling to see clearly at a normal distance.
 

Frequent Headaches or Eye Rubbing

Unexplained headaches, especially after school or screen time, may be a red flag. Eye strain from unaddressed vision problems can cause discomfort and fatigue, leading to rubbing, blinking excessively, or even complaints of blurry vision.
 

Trouble Following Along in School

Many children labeled as struggling learners actually have undiagnosed vision problems. If your child has difficulty focusing, avoids reading, or frequently loses their place on the page, it might not be a learning issue—it could be their eyes.
 

If your child once loved reading or playing sports but now avoids them, pay attention. Avoidance of these activities may indicate difficulty seeing details up close or tracking fast-moving objects.
 

Tilting Their Head or Covering One Eye

A consistent head tilt or covering of one eye while looking at something may suggest binocular vision issues, where both eyes aren’t working together properly. This can lead to depth perception problems and even double vision.
 

Why a Comprehensive Eye Exam Matters

Many parents assume that school vision screenings are enough to catch issues, but those screenings only test for very basic problems. A comprehensive eye exam at The Eye Man goes deeper, checking not only clarity but also eye coordination, focusing ability, and overall eye health.
 

Especially in a fast-paced city like New York, where kids are expected to juggle academics, sports, and technology, ensuring they have clear, comfortable vision can make all the difference in their confidence and success.
 

What You Can Do as a Parent

• Observe – If you notice any of these signs, write them down and track how often they occur.

• Talk to Your Child – Ask if they have trouble seeing the board at school, if words get blurry while reading, or if their eyes feel tired.

• Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam – Early detection is key. A routine eye check can help prevent bigger issues down the road and set your child up for success.
   

Clear Vision for a Bright Future

Your child’s vision plays a crucial role in their learning, development, and daily experiences. In a city as dynamic as New York, where every moment is an opportunity to explore and grow, clear eyesight is essential. 
 

If you’ve noticed any signs of vision problems, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at The Eye Man for expert, personalized care to ensure your child sees the world clearly and comfortably. Visit our office in New York, New York, or call (212) 873-4114 to book an appointment today.