One in four school-aged children has a vision problem and about five to 10 percent of preschool kid's may have an undetected vision issue. And fewer than 14 percent of Canadian children under the age of six have a comprehensive eye exam before entering school. The reason your child may be having problems learning could have to do with their vision–they may not be able to read properly or see the chalkboard. As many as 60 percent of children with literacy problems have undiagnosed vision problems. What are some signs and symptoms of eye disease in children?

• Blinking or squinting excessively
• Closing or covering an eye when looking at objects
• Losing place or using a finger to maintain place when reading
• Exhibiting a reading or learning problem
• Complaining of headaches, nausea and dizziness
• Avoiding reading, colouring, or activities up close
• Poor hand-eye coordination

  Just because your child may pass a vision test, that doesn't mean their eyes are 100 percent. Up to 43 percent of kids with vision issues are able to pass the vision screening. According to the Ontario Association of Optometrists, children should have comprehensive optometric eye exam at six months, before starting kindergarten, and then every year throughout the school years. (And if you live in Ontario OHIP should cover the kid's exams.) A cool new program through the OAO called  Eye See…Eye Learn, helps children entering Junior Kindergarten receive a free pair of high quality glasses after their eye exam if they need them. For more tips on how to keep your family's eyes in good health click here. And here's some nutrition tips for healthy eyes! Photography courtesy of thinkstockphotos.ca.