7 Signs Your Child May Need Glasses Before School
Children’s Vision · February 18, 2026 · By Dr. Daniel Reyes
Kids rarely complain — they adapt
A child who has never seen the board clearly assumes everyone sees that way. That is why parents and teachers, not the child, usually spot the problem first. Watch for these seven signs:
- Sitting too close to the TV or holding books inches from the face.
- Squinting or closing one eye to read or watch.
- Frequent headaches, especially after school or screen time.
- Losing place while reading or using a finger to track every line.
- Head tilting to one side during desk work.
- Avoiding near work — “hating” reading, coloring, or puzzles they once liked.
- An eye that drifts inward or outward, even occasionally.
What to do next
School screenings catch barely half of vision problems because they only test distance sharpness. A pediatric eye exam also checks focusing, tracking, eye teaming, and eye health — the skills reading actually demands. If you noticed even one sign above, book an exam before the school term starts.