How to Know If Your Child Is Farsighted?

Confusion often lies as to what being far- or nearsighted exactly means. If you're farsighted, you see things well that are faraway and have difficulty seeing things clearly when they're up close. Nearsighted is the opposite. Without taking your child to the doctor, there is no way to know for sure if he is farsighted. However, watch out for common signs and symptoms of farsightedness to see if a visit or phone call to the doctor is warranted.

Instructions

• 1

  Note if your child complains of headaches or aching eyes. Watch if your child rubs his eyes at times when he's not tired. Kids who are cross-eyed may be farsighted too.

• 2

  Watch your child as he reads and does up close tasks. Note if he outstretches his arms to read a book or if he stands up to do a jigsaw puzzle or color a coloring page when there is a chair available. Notice if he squints a lot.

• 3

  Observe if there is a lack of desire to read or even be read books with you. Kids who have difficulty learning to read may be farsighted.

• 4

  Note if there is a lack of interest in other activities that require seeing things up close, such as playing cards or playing a hand-held video game.