Signs Your Child May Need an Eye Exam

Does your child squint while:

• watching TV?
• using an iPad?
• reading books?
• looking at the board at school?

Many parents assume squinting is just a habit, but it can sometimes be a sign your child is struggling to see clearly.

At Oshawa Eye Care, squinting is one of the most common concerns parents mention during children’s eye exams.

What Causes Squinting in Children?

Children may squint to temporarily improve focus when their vision feels blurry or strained.

Common causes can include:

• nearsightedness (myopia)
• eye strain
• astigmatism
• focusing difficulties
• tired eyes from screens

Some children squint more often after long periods of:

• homework
• gaming
• tablets
• phones
• computer use

Other Signs Your Child May Need Glasses

Along with squinting, parents may notice:

• sitting too close to the TV
• headaches after school
• rubbing eyes frequently
• difficulty focusing
• avoiding reading
• blurry vision
• tilting their head to see better

Many children do not realize their vision has changed because they assume everyone sees the same way they do.

Can Screen Time Make Squinting Worse?

With how much time children now spend on screens, many parents notice more signs of eye strain and visual fatigue.

Long periods of close-up work from:

• tablets
• phones
• computers
• gaming
• homework

can place extra stress on the eyes and make focusing more tiring.

Some children may squint more after extended screen time because their eyes are working harder to stay focused.

When Should You Book an Eye Exam?

It may be time to schedule an eye exam if your child is:

• squinting regularly
• complaining of headaches
• sitting too close to screens
• struggling to focus at school
• rubbing their eyes often
• experiencing blurry vision or tired eyes

Early detection can help support:

• learning
• concentration
• screen comfort
• healthy visual development

Why Children’s Eye Exams Matter

Children often adapt to vision changes without realizing anything is wrong.

Comprehensive eye exams can help assess:

• visual clarity
• focusing ability
• eye coordination
• overall eye health

Regular eye exams are an important part of supporting healthy vision during childhood.

Children’s Eye Exams in Oshawa

At Oshawa Eye Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams for children in a welcoming and family-friendly environment.

If you’ve noticed your child squinting more often, our team can help determine whether vision may be contributing to the problem. Book an eye exam here.