Does My Child Need Glasses? Signs & When to Get an Eye Exam

Jul 1, 2025 | Children's Eye Care

Children don’t always realize when they have a vision problem. If they’ve never experienced normal vision, they may not realize anything is wrong. That’s why routine eye care is important, especially during their school years.  

At Primary Eye Care of Arlington and South Main, we offer pediatric eye exams in Arlington and Memphis, helping families catch vision issues before they impact learning. 

In this blog, we’ll share some signs that may indicate your child needs glasses and explain how early eye exams help them succeed in school. 

The importance of early childhood eye exams 

Your child relies on their eyes for reading, writing, playing, and learning for nearly every part of their day. As school becomes more visually demanding, vision problems can start to interfere with focus and confidence. If your child is having trouble seeing clearly, prescription glasses can help them stay focused, confident, and engaged in the classroom. 

In the U.S., one in four children has a vision problem that requires professional treatment. Children often adjust to vision changes without saying anything. They may think blurry vision, headaches, or tired eyes are normal. Regular comprehensive eye exams are critical for identifying problems early, even if your child doesn’t complain about issues. 

Signs of vision problems in children 

Children may not always tell you about vision problems, but their behavior can provide you with important clues. Here are some common signs that your child may need glasses

  • Squinting or closing one eye 
  • Sitting too close to TVs or screens 
  • Frequent eye rubbing 
  • Complaining of headaches  
  • Losing their place while reading 
  • Difficulty focusing in class 
  • Avoiding reading or homework 
  • Clumsiness or poor coordination 

What happens if vision problems go untreated? 

Untreated vision issues can affect more than just your child’s eyesight. They can impact academic performance, attention span, and behavior. A child who can’t see clearly may avoid reading, fall behind in class, or act out due to frustration. 

Over time, vision problems that aren’t addressed can cause chronic eye strain, headaches, and poor visual coordination. Some issues may even affect long-term vision development. Regular eye exams give your child the best chance at strong, healthy vision and a better experience in school and everyday life. 

Schedule your child’s eye exam today 

If your child shows signs of vision trouble or hasn’t had a recent eye exam, now is the perfect time to get one on the calendar. Our pediatric optometrist, Dr. Artee Nanji, can diagnose and treat both vision and eye health issues in children, leading to significant improvements in comfort, focus, and learning. 

To schedule an appointment for your child, please give us a call or request an appointment online