Symptom Checklist for Vision Problems

If you recognize any of these symptoms in yourself or your child, call our office to schedule an appointment for a developmental vision evaluation. Vision problems can affect learning, behavior, and daily activities.

Performance Clues

• Avoidance of near work
• Frequent loss of place when reading
• Omitting, inserting, or rereading words in a paragraph
• Confusing similar-looking words
• Failure to recognize the same word in the next sentence
• Poor reading comprehension
• Difficulty copying from the chalkboard
• Poor handwriting, misaligned numbers
• Letter or word reversals after first grade
• Difficulty following directions

Physical Clues

• Red, sore, tearing, or itching eyes
• Jerky eye movements, one eye turning in or out
• Squinting, eye rubbing, or excessive blinking
• Blurred or intermittent double vision
• Headaches, dizziness, or nausea after reading
• Head tilting, closing, or blocking one eye when reading
• Exaggerated head movement when reading
• Very close reading distance
• Inconsistent or poor sports performance

Behavior Clues

• Smart but struggling in school
• Low self-esteem, poor self-image
• Temper flare-ups, aggressiveness, emotional outbursts
• Frequent crying, overly emotional
• Short attention span, easily distracted
• Fatigue after school or work
• Frustration, stress, irritability
• Withdrawn, lacks confidence, avoids challenges

Common Mislabels

Many children with undiagnosed vision problems are mistakenly labeled:

• Lazy
• Dyslexic
• Having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
• A slow learner
• Having a behavioral problem
• Working below potential
• Learning disabled
• Immature

Keep in mind even one of the symptoms above can be a sign that you or your child may have a vision problem at the root of his or her difficulties. By scheduling a developmental vision evaluation in our office, we will be able to determine the full depth of the vision problem.