Eye experts urge early screenings as more kids struggle to see clearly

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- More kids are struggling to see clearly and healthcare officials say it's not just a vision problem.

Nearsightedness is growing and if it isn't caught early, it can create challenges in the classroom. Researchers anticipate by 2050 half the world's population will be nearsighted, which is when a person struggles to see things far away.

This condition is common in kids, with studies finding 9% of elementary-age children and 30% of adolescents in the U.S. have nearsightedness.

Doctors say the key is to get diagnosed early before any major issues begin, something that's easier said than done.

"A lot of kids don't actually know that they're not seeing as well as other kids, and so they might be performing worse academically and you might think that there's something going on with the kid," Norton Children's Ophthalmologist Dr. Nicole Jody said. "It could actually be that they're not seeing very well, they're not seeing the board, or they're not seeing the book."

Common signs to watch out for are squinting and getting too close to a TV or tablet. Frequent headaches or clumsiness can also be signs of poor vision.

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