Visual Trouble Signs

Symptoms that require immediate attention from a physician are:

▪ A white pupil

▪ Sudden swelling or drooping of a lid, accompanied by a red eye

▪ Enlarged cornea in one or both eyes

Other conditions, which are not as urgent but still require attention by a specialist, include the following:

One or both eyes turning in or out

Tearing, redness, or discharge that lasts for a number of days

One pupil that appears larger than the other

Parents should be attuned to signs of potential visual problems that children aged 2 to 6 may exhibit:

Covering one eye when looking at a book or object

Asking to sit closer to the blackboard at school

Difficulty catching a ball

Not wanting to look at books

Consistently sitting too close to the TV or holding a book too close

Losing his place while reading or using a finger to guide his eyes when reading

Squinting or tilting the head to see better

Frequent eye rubbing

Sensitivity to light and/or excessive tearing

Avoiding activities which require near vision, such as reading or homework, or distance vision, such as participating in sports or other recreational activities

Complaining of headaches or tired eyes

Avoiding using a computer, because it “hurts his eyes”

Receiving lower grades than usual

Should any of these symptoms be noticed, an appointment should be made with an eye doctor.