It started with the squint. Then came the headaches. Maybe your child began complaining that they couldn’t see the board clearly at school, or their teacher mentioned they were having trouble paying attention in class. If any of that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
At Navigation Eye Care, we specialize in Family Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA, and we’ve helped many families uncover what’s really going on behind their child’s struggles. Often, the answer is myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It’s more than just needing glasses—it’s a condition that can quietly impact your child’s health, confidence, and ability to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
Let’s walk through the warning signs together so you can feel confident knowing what to look for—and what to do next.
Squinting and Headaches
Let’s be honest: kids don’t always tell us when something’s wrong with their vision. But their body often does.
One of the earliest red flags of myopia is squinting—especially when trying to see things far away like the whiteboard at school, a ball on the field, or even the TV from across the room. Squinting is your child’s way of trying to “focus” their vision without even realizing it.
And here’s the kicker: all that extra effort puts a real strain on their eyes. The result? Headaches, eye fatigue, and sometimes even complaints of dizziness. If your child is frequently rubbing their eyes or reaching for a cold washcloth at the end of the day, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s really going on with their sight.
Performance in School
Vision problems don’t just stay on the playground—they follow your child into the classroom.
Kids with undiagnosed myopia often struggle to focus, especially when trying to read from a distance or shift between books and the board. What might look like a lack of motivation or an attention issue could actually be a visual challenge. If your child used to love school but now seems frustrated or disinterested, myopia might be quietly getting in the way.
Teachers might notice a drop in reading fluency, slower test-taking, or even behavior changes that suggest your child isn’t engaging as they used to. And as parents, we know how heartbreaking it is to watch our kids lose confidence in something they once enjoyed. That’s why early intervention is key.
When to Get an Eye Exam
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to wait until symptoms are severe to take action. At Navigation Eye Care, we recommend regular eye exams starting around age five—or sooner if you notice signs of squinting, headaches, or learning challenges.
If you or your spouse wore glasses as a child, your child is at a higher risk for myopia. And with screen time on the rise and outdoor play often limited, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of potential vision issues.
Our team offers compassionate, thorough Family Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA, focused on prevention, education, and treatment plans that work for your child’s lifestyle. We believe your child deserves to see the world clearly—and we’re here to help make that happen.
See the Signs, Change the Story
Your child’s struggles don’t have to be a mystery—and they certainly don’t have to continue. If they’re squinting, falling behind in class, or rubbing their eyes after screen time, those could be subtle cries for help from their visual system. And you, mom or dad, have the power to change their story.
At Navigation Eye Care, we’re not just checking boxes—we’re uncovering the why behind vision issues and giving your child the tools to thrive. With personalized care and gentle guidance, we’re proud to offer the kind of Family Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA that helps kids succeed both in school and in life.
Ready to take the next step? Call today to schedule your child’s eye exam.
We’ll make it simple, supportive, and yes—even a little fun.
Because when it comes to Family Eye Care in Chesapeake, VA, we don’t just care for eyes—we care for futures.