Signs of Vision Problems

A new report from the Vision Council shows that state laws regarding the vision assessments that schools do for children entering school are inconsistent. Some states don't even require assessments, and many do not mandate any follow-up care for children who fail the screening test. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of the children entering school do not receive a vision screening. Because 80 percent of what children learn is through visual processing of information, undetected vision problems can severely impact a child's learning. They can also impact a child's performance in extracurricular activities. -- Important Information
Answer: Parents also need to understand that the vision assessments given by schools are not comprehensive eye exams. Plus, they need to be aware of other risk factors for poor vision, including premature birth, developmental delays, a family history of "lazy eye" and diseases that affect the whole body, such as diabetes, sickle cell anemia or HIV.
Parents should follow professional recommendations for eye exams. You also need to be alert for warning signs of potential vision disorders in children including:
--Squinting, closing both or one eye
--Constantly holding materials close to the face
--Tilting the head to one side
--Rubbing eyes repeatedly
--One or both eyes turn in or out
--Redness or tearing in eyes