Headaches are never easy to watch your child go through, especially when they keep happening. Parents often first assume dehydration, stress, or lack of sleep is to blame. But one of the most common and overlooked causes of headaches in children is vision. Kids don’t always say “I can’t see the board” or “the page looks blurry.” Instead, they complain of sore eyes or frequent headaches after reading, homework, or time on devices.
In St. Albert, we regularly see children whose headaches are linked to undiagnosed vision issues. With the school year underway, it’s important for parents to recognize the signs and book an eye exam before vision problems interfere with learning.
Why do kids get headaches from vision problems?
When the eyes are not working properly, they have to put in extra effort to see clearly. That strain builds up over the course of the school day and often shows up as headaches. The most common vision-related causes include nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, focusing problems, and eye coordination issues.
These conditions force the brain and eye muscles to work overtime to make sense of what the child is seeing. In the classroom, where children are constantly shifting from books to screens to the board, the visual system is pushed even harder. The result is headaches around the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes, often at the worst times—during class or while finishing homework.
Signs your child’s headaches may be caused by their eyes
Not every headache comes from vision issues, but there are clear warning signs parents can watch for.
- Headaches that appear after reading, homework, or device use
- Squinting, frequent eye rubbing, or tilting the head to see
- Complaints of blurry or double vision
- Sitting very close to screens or holding books close to the face
- Struggling to stay focused on schoolwork or avoiding near tasks
If these patterns sound familiar, it’s very possible that vision is behind your child’s discomfort.
How does eye strain affect learning in school?
Vision is central to learning. Research shows that as much as 80 percent of what children learn in school is processed through their eyes. When they cannot see clearly, they not only risk
headaches but also fall behind academically. Struggling to copy notes, read instructions, or focus on classwork can quickly lead to frustration and poor performance.
Many children who appear to be distracted or unmotivated in the classroom are actually dealing with vision issues. Once corrected, parents and teachers often notice a dramatic difference in comfort, confidence, and school success.
$100 OFF: Back-to-School savings on glasses
Because vision is so closely tied to both learning and comfort, this season is the perfect time to schedule an exam. To help families prepare for the school year, Erin Ridge Vision Care Centre is offering one hundred dollars off frames and lenses when purchased together. This special runs until September 30 and gives parents an easy way to make sure their child is equipped with the clear vision they need for success.
Appointments fill quickly during back-to-school season, so scheduling early ensures your child receives both a comprehensive exam and access to this limited-time promotion.
When to book an eye exam for children’s headaches?
Parents often ask when to move from “waiting and seeing” to booking an eye exam. If headaches are frequent and happen during or after visual tasks, it’s time. Unlike quick school screenings, a full eye exam provides a detailed look at clarity of sight, how well the eyes focus and coordinate, and overall eye health. These checks reveal issues that may be missed elsewhere.
How can nearsightedness cause headaches in children?
Nearsightedness, or myopia, is becoming increasingly common in children. A child with myopia can see close objects clearly but struggles with distance vision. In the classroom, this usually means they can read a book in front of them but have trouble seeing the board across the room.
When a child with uncorrected myopia tries to focus on distant objects, their eyes strain to make the image clear. This constant squinting and straining often leads to headaches, especially later in the school day. Parents may notice their child sits close to the television, narrows their eyes to see signs or the board, or complains of headaches after school.
Correcting nearsightedness with properly prescribed glasses or contact lenses usually provides quick relief. Once a child can see clearly at all distances, the strain disappears, and headaches often improve or go away entirely.
Frequent headaches should never be considered normal for children. Vision-related problems are common, treatable, and often overlooked as a source of discomfort. By scheduling a comprehensive exam, you can identify whether vision is playing a role and give your child relief from strain and frustration.
This back-to-school season, Erin Ridge Vision Care Centre is here to help with complete pediatric eye care and a special offer of one hundred dollars off frames and lenses when purchased together. The promotion ends September 30, so book your child’s appointment today and give them the clear, comfortable vision they need to succeed this school year.
