more clearly in bright conditions. An even clearer sign that something is amiss is if your kids complain about eye pain or other eye problems. “Eye pain may be a symptom of something as minor as eye strain,” Dr. Randall says, “but it can also indicate another health problem.” The same is true for complaints about itchy, burning, or scratchy eyes, Dr. Frederick says. The underlying cause could be something minor or something more serious. An eye doctor will be able to tell. Complaints of frequent headaches can also be a sign that your child may need to see an eye doctor. Dr. Randall says, “While frequent headaches don’t necessarily mean your child has an eye problem, it can be an indicator that a child is having trouble seeing.” This is especially the case when kids complete near vision tasks like doing work on their laptop or reading a book. “Headaches typically occur,” Dr. Lazarus says, “when the child’s eye muscles have to work extra hard to focus on the images in front of them.” Another possibility, which an eye doctor can assess, is if they’re photophobic (sensitive to light). “If your child is getting headaches when they are outside for some time,” Dr. Johnson says, “this can be a sign that they’re photophobic.” The eye doctor can prescribe special eyeglass lenses and sunglasses to reduce the severity of your kid’s sensitivity to light and help them see 100 HAWAII PARENT May/June 2025 Early eye exams can support your child’s academic success and everyday activities. About the Author Tanni Haas, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders at The City University of New York – Brooklyn College. “Squinting is a dead giveaway that your child’s vision may not be what it can be”
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