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3 Signs Your Child Needs to Visit an Eye Doctor

Have you noticed your child struggling with sports, games, reading, or watching television? What about struggles in school or sports? Although struggles in school and on the athletic field don’t necessarily suggest vision problems, it is always a good idea to check with an optometrist just in case.

If you notice the following signs in your child, you may need to visit an eye doctor in Tampa.

Sign #1: Squinting

Squinting is a sign that your child is having difficulty seeing and is commonly called refractive errors. People squint to reduce the amount of light entering their pupils to clear a blurry image. You may even see your child attempting to use their peripherals to see better.

Although squinting is a natural reaction to bright light and other external stimuli, it also serves as a clear indicator that something may be wrong if your child is squinting without external stimuli.

If you find your child squinting while reading or watching TV, consider taking them to an optometrist in Tampa.

Sign #2: Rubbing Eyes

We rub our eyes to stimulate our tear ducts and wet our dry eyes. Rubbing eyes is normal from time-to-time, but excessive rubbing can be an indication of greater problems. If a child rubs their eyes during an activity, like reading, they could be having trouble seeing.

Although rubbing eyes may seem like a normal thing, it’s actually quite dangerous and can cause significant long-term damage. Frequently rubbing your eyes can weaken your cornea and expose your body to bacteria and viruses.

Sign #3: Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common symptoms of any sickness or discomfort, with 75% of people worldwide experiencing a headache in the last year. Although there are many causes of headaches, poor vision does cause headaches occasionally.

Pay close attention to when your child complains about a headache. Take notes on what they were doing, how long they participated in the activity, and the consistency of the event. Once you have enough data, take your child to the eye doctor to test their vision.

Visit An Eye Doctor in Tampa for Your Child

The best time to visit an optometrist in Tampa is when your son or daughter is young. This allows you to remain proactive as a parent and prioritize the wellbeing of your child. 

If you notice any sudden squinting, eye rubbing, headaches, poor academic performance, or sitting closer to the television, bring your child to an eye doctor at Florida Eye Center for a formal evaluation. Contact us today at (813) 602-7336 or visit our website to schedule an appointment.

Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Florida Eye Center website does not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by the medical professionals at Florida Eye Center or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The content, views, and opinions communicated on this website do not represent the views of Florida Eye Center. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Although this website contains links to other medical websites, this is strictly for informational purposes. Florida Eye Center is not responsible nor do they approve of the content featured on any third party linked websites referenced on this website.

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