If your child is showing signs of falling behind or struggling to pay attention, the issue might not be due to behavior or comprehension. It might be their vision.
While schools sometimes offer basic vision screenings, these tests often miss a significant number of issues that can only be identified through a comprehensive eye exam. At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, our eye doctors help children in Edina address treatable eye problems like myopia, dry eye, and corneal irregularities using advanced care tailored to each child’s needs.
How Vision Problems Affect Classroom Success
When a child has uncorrected vision issues, it can affect more than just their grades. Vision problems can lead to headaches, fatigue, difficulty focusing, and even behavioral concerns. A comprehensive eye exam gives insight into the visual demands of the classroom and identifies whether your child’s eyes are functioning properly under those conditions. Common Signs of Vision Problems in Children:
- Squinting or rubbing their eyes frequently
- Holding books or screens too close
- Avoiding reading or homework
- Tilting their head while reading
- Complaining of blurry or double vision
- Headaches, especially after reading
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty focusing or short attention span
4 Types of Eye Conditions That Can Interfere with Learning
We often evaluate children for multiple overlapping conditions. Here are some of the most common visual issues we treat and how they affect performance:
1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry. It often shows up during childhood and tends to worsen rapidly without proper intervention.
- Makes it difficult to see the board clearly
- Can lead to squinting and eye fatigue
- Progressive myopia may worsen rapidly without treatment
2. Astigmatism
Astigmatism results from an irregularly shaped cornea, which causes light to bend unevenly and creates blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
- Causes distorted or blurry vision at all distances
- Can lead to headaches and trouble concentrating
- Often goes undiagnosed without a complete eye exam
3. Binocular Vision Problems
These are conditions where the eyes don’t work well together, which affects depth perception and sustained focus during reading or close-up work.
- Eyes may not work together properly (also known as convergence issues)
- Can result in double vision or eye strain during reading
- May mimic symptoms of ADHD or other attention disorders
4. Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eyes in children can develop from screen exposure, environmental factors, or underlying tear production issues. Symptoms often appear as irritation and visual discomfort.
- Leads to irritation, burning, and frequent blinking
- Interferes with prolonged screen time or reading
- Can be managed with in-office treatments and home care
Get the Right Treatment at Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota
When we address undiagnosed visual issues, children often show dramatic improvements—not just in school, but in their self-esteem and motivation. Correcting vision early doesn’t just make classroom tasks easier. It can also help prevent emotional and developmental setbacks that occur when students fall behind.
We provide several types of support for young patients:
- Myopia management tools to slow the progression of nearsightedness
- Custom-fit contact lenses for children with corneal conditions like keratoconus
- Dry eye treatments, including in-office therapies and child-safe home strategies
- Ongoing care and monitoring to ensure that any new issues are caught early
Vision is one of the most important tools a child has for success—and one of the easiest to support with the proper care.
Clearer Vision, Better Focus: Why Eye Exams Matter in Edina, MN
At Cornea and Contact Lens Institute of Minnesota, we work closely with parents to uncover and treat the visual issues that can get in the way of a child’s success. Support your child’s success—book their eye care appointment and give them the clear vision they deserve.