PEDIATRIC EYE CARE • MARCH 2026
By the Optometrists at Avalon Eye Care, Vaughan • 5-minute read
Children are remarkably adaptable. When their vision is poor, they often develop coping strategies — squinting, tilting their head, sitting closer to screens — rather than saying "I can't see." Many kids with vision problems don't even know their eyesight is different from their friends'. As a parent, knowing what to watch for is critical.
Squinting partially closes the eye, which temporarily improves focus by reducing the amount of light entering and sharpening the retinal image. If you notice your child squinting at the TV, whiteboard, or when looking at anything in the distance, it is a strong indicator of myopia (nearsightedness).
Children with myopia naturally gravitate closer to screens where images appear larger and clearer. If your child consistently sits within two feet of the TV or holds a tablet inches from their face, it is time for an eye exam.
When the eyes are constantly straining to bring a blurry image into focus, the muscles around the eye fatigue and cause headaches — typically in the forehead or temples, often after reading or screen time. Children who regularly complain of headaches after school or homework should be assessed for vision problems.
Tilting the head can indicate an eye muscle imbalance or astigmatism. Covering one eye while reading may suggest a significant difference in vision between the two eyes (anisometropia) or the early stages of amblyopia (lazy eye). Both warrant prompt evaluation.
A child with hyperopia (farsightedness) or convergence insufficiency may find reading physically uncomfortable. They may avoid books, complain that reading is "boring," or stop reading much earlier than expected. This is sometimes misidentified as a reading disorder or ADHD.
Complaints that words "move around" on the page, frequently losing their place while reading, or using a finger to track across lines can indicate convergence insufficiency — a difficulty getting both eyes to work together at close range. This is very treatable but often missed.
Rubbing eyes repeatedly — especially when doing close work — can be a sign of eye fatigue from focusing strain. It can also indicate dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis, or more serious conditions. If your child rubs their eyes frequently, it is worth getting checked.
Strabismus (eye turn) is when one eye points in a different direction than the other. It is most visible when a child is tired or concentrating. Strabismus that is not treated early can lead to permanent vision loss in the turned eye (amblyopia). This requires prompt examination.
Vision problems are a leading cause of academic underperformance. If a child who seems bright and engaged is struggling to read, copy from the board, or concentrate, a vision problem — not a learning disability — may be the cause. An eye exam should be among the first steps.
Depth perception depends on both eyes working together. A child with a significant prescription difference between their eyes, or an eye alignment problem, may appear clumsy, struggle to catch balls, or have difficulty with sports requiring hand-eye coordination. This can also be a sign of reduced depth perception.
Book a pediatric eye exam at Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan. The exam is fully covered by OHIP for children 19 and under — bring your child's Ontario health card and there is no cost to you.
Early treatment of vision problems prevents long-term consequences. Children in Junior Kindergarten can also benefit from our Eye See Eye Learn program — a free pair of glasses for JK students who need them.
Call Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan at 905-856-3937 or book online.
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