Why does my child squint, cover their eyes or avoid busy places?

The short answer

A child may struggle with brightness, glare, flicker, busy patterns, moving crowds, finding one object among many or coordinating vision while walking. Identify the exact visual demand and what becomes inaccessible. Try a quieter time, less clutter, a plain work surface, different seating, a peaked cap or adjusted lighting, then review comfort and participation. Sunglasses may help in bright conditions but should have a defined purpose and should not replace an eye check. Children may not realise they have a vision problem. Arrange an optician or GP review for concerns about eyesight, headaches, eye strain, reading, coordination or a new change. Seek urgent advice for eye pain with light sensitivity, red eye, flashing or altered vision, severe headache or acute neurological symptoms.

• Brightness, flicker, glare, pattern, movement and visual search are different demands.
• A busy place combines visual information with sound, navigation and uncertainty.
• Change one visual feature or route and measure whether the activity becomes accessible.
• Sensory language must not replace routine sight testing or assessment of new symptoms.
• Pain, redness, altered vision or severe headache with light sensitivity needs urgent advice.