While the only way to be sure if your child has a medical vision diagnosis is to have him evaluated by a developmental optometrist, there are some things that may point to a vision difficulty.
Keep an eye out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Fatigue/eye strain/headache during or after reading or close work
- Odd posture (ex: tilting the head or covering/closing one eye)
- Poor comprehension/recall of what is read (especially later in the day)
- Words appear to move on the page when reading
- Diagnosis of ADD/ADHD/Dyslexia (symptoms are very similar to those of a vision dysfunction)
- Trouble going back and forth between desk and board in school
- Poor handwriting/grip/writing up or downhill
- Homework takes much longer than it should
- Avoids sports/clumsy
- Motion sickness in cars
- First response is often “I can’t”
- Tutoring hasn’t helped
- Poor grades OR good grades require more work than should be necessary
Please see the checklist for more signs and symptoms.
Every child is different and thus can be affected differently by a vision dysfunction. The best first step is to determine of your child’s difficulties are due to a vision diagnosis, and know that if they are – WE CAN HELP!
We know that a medical diagnosis can be scary, but the first step is knowing, and we can help you determine the best route to take in order to help your child. Whether it’s an issue with convergence, accommodation, visual perception, or an eye turn; there are many non-invasive things that can be done in order to help your child achieve her full academic and personal success.
You can trust us. We are here for you.
Learn more about our vision therapy and pediatric eye care practice providing advanced medical optometry to patients from all over Michigan including Metro Detroit, Plymouth, Ann Arbor, and Dearborn.
Contributed by Amanda Timbre, Certified Optometric Vision Therapist