What complaint might indicate a child has a vision problem?

A child claiming to experience headaches when reading can be a significant indicator of a potential vision problem. Headaches associated with reading may suggest that the child is straining their eyes, struggling to focus, or having difficulty with visual processing. This discomfort can stem from various issues, such as uncorrected refractive errors, eye muscle imbalance, or other visual disorders that can affect their ability to see clearly, particularly during tasks that require close focus.

In contrast, difficulty understanding instructions could be related to processing or attention issues rather than vision. Always wanting to play outside might simply reflect the child's preference for physical activity and outdoor play and does not specifically indicate a vision problem. A preference for digital screens might suggest an interest in technology or gaming rather than a direct link to any visual impairments. Therefore, the claim of headaches when reading stands out as a more direct symptom of potential eye strain or vision difficulties.