Blind / Visual Impairment Basics
Signs of Visual Impairment
Vision helps build the basis for learning and connecting with the world. Knowing the signs of vision loss is important. Getting support early can prevent bigger problems later, such as delays in learning, trouble in school, feeling left out from friends, and having less independence.
- Eye misalignment
- Crossed eyed
- Drooping eyelid
- Discoloration of pupil
- Excessive tearing or crust around eyes
- Pink or redness
- Looking away or avoiding objects
- Eye rubbing
- Head turning or tilting
- Squinting
- Excessive eye movement
- Inability to see objects at a distance
- Tilting their head
- Appearing clumsy
- Short attention span or disinterested
- Frequent headaches
- Avoids eye contact
- Holds objects close to face
- Sits very close to things like people or technology
- Difficulty tracking or losing place when reading
- Inattentive
- Squinting or covering one eye
- Eye rubbing
- Poor hand-eye coordination
- Difficulty concentrating
- Having a headache
- Inability to see
- Feeling dizzy or nauseous
- Things being blurry or hard to see
- Seeing spots or double vision
- Losing interest or not caring about an activity
- Being unclear about surroundings or objects
- Inability to see things in their periphery
- Seeing flashing lights or rainbows around lights
- Feeling unsure, fearful or frustrated
- Preference to standing or sitting in a specific location
- Losing their place when reading or completing visual tasks
- Myopia or nearsightedness
- Hyperopia or farsightedness
- Astigmatism
- Amblyopia or lazy eye
- Strabismus
- Cortical or Cerebral Visual Impairment
- Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Optic Nerve Hypoplasia
- Albinism
- Optic Nerve Atrophy
