My Child Keeps Complaining About Seeing Double: What Parents Should Know

As a parent, hearing your child say they “see double” can be concerning. Double vision (diplopia) in children is not something to ignore, as it can indicate an underlying vision or eye coordination problem that may affect their ability to read, learn, or play comfortably. Understanding what causes double vision and how our eye doctor in Folsom can help is the first step toward protecting your child’s visual health.

Common Causes of Double Vision in Children

There are several potential reasons why your child might be experiencing double vision. Some of the most common include:

•           Eye Muscle Imbalance (Strabismus): When the eyes don’t align properly, each eye sends a slightly different image to the brain, resulting in double vision.

•           Focusing Problems: Issues with how the eyes focus can cause strain and blurred or doubled images, especially when reading.

•           Convergence Insufficiency: This occurs when the eyes have difficulty working together at close distances, often leading to double vision during near tasks like reading or writing.

•           Uncorrected Refractive Error: Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can sometimes cause the eyes to overcompensate, creating visual confusion.

•           Neurological Conditions: Though rare, certain neurological issues can affect the nerves or muscles that control eye movement.

Why a Developmental Vision Exam Is Important

A standard eye screening at school may not catch the visual skills that impact learning, coordination, and depth perception. A developmental vision exam in Folsom provides a deeper look into how your child’s eyes work together and how their brain processes visual information.

During this exam, our optometrist evaluates eye teaming, focusing ability, tracking, and visual processing - areas that are crucial for reading, writing, and overall academic success. If double vision or another binocular vision issue is detected, your child may benefit from specialized vision therapy or corrective lenses.

The Role of Pediatric Eye Care

Comprehensive pediatric eye care in Folsom ensures that your child’s visual development is progressing normally. Early detection of eye alignment or focusing issues can prevent long-term complications like amblyopia (lazy eye) or poor visual coordination. With customized treatment plans, our goal is to restore comfortable, single vision and help your child thrive both in and out of the classroom.

Get Specialized Care for Your Child’s Vision Needs

If your child frequently complains about seeing double, tilts their head to focus, or struggles with reading, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Double vision is not something children “grow out of” - it’s a sign that their visual system needs attention.
 

Schedule a developmental vision exam at Neuro-Vision & Rehabilitation Center to ensure your child’s visual system develops properly. Visit our office in Folsom, California, or call (279) 321-9059 to book an appointment today.