watching tv sideways

[kernal]

when my 8yr old nephew watches tv, his head is angled to the left or right and he watches "sideways" ... he's not squint by appearance but i'm concerned that he may become if he continues this way, his eyes are also rather yellowy/strained for an 8yr old, shouldn't they naturally be more of a fresh white at this age?

[Bayc]

Hi there,
I'm 21 years of age and I too have had this ever since I can remember. I have no problems with hearing and my vision is fine. In watching TV or partaking in an interesting lecture...I will often unconsciously tilt my head away from the object of focus and will use my peripherals. This is something that is not uncommon in my family though, as my grandfather along with a few of my aunts and uncles also have it as well. We have had no issues with this...and for a long time I had not known that this was unusual. So as much as I would like to agree with the Dr you had spoken to...I have yet to see any of my family 'grow out' of this. It has caused us no harm at all and we have also learnt to live with it. What I'm trying to say is that this is ok...if it is not inhibiting his development...and if it is not causing him harm...then I think he will be aye okay :)
In regards to the neck pain though...I have learnt that it is better to sit to the side of the tv and not directly in front of it...not only does this help me with the neck pains..but it also helps with the embarrassing moments where you are watching tv and someone next to you thinks that you are actually staring at them and not at the tv. Also I have found that lying down (tummy facing tv) or resting their head on the chair arm will also ease the pressure off the neck.  
If you are like any relative worried for their loved one....then I advise that you seek a 2nd doctors opinion and see what they say. I'm sorry that this was so very long..but I hope this helps. Take care....

[Lynzero92]

I'm exactly the same way and so are a few other members of my paternal family side. Absolutely no idea why, didn't notice til someone pointed it out. Cool to hear someone else does this though!

[Anabel0113]

I have the same problem with my 7 year old daughter since she was smaller, I took her to her primary care doctor then to an eye doctor to make sure everything was ok. The eye doctor said that everything looked ok but she is going to need glasses once she’s older and to just tell her to fix her head when she’s watching TV.  I’ve noticed that it happens when she’s really focused on whatever she’s watching.

[JenM1591591589]

I have researched and researched answers here online because my 5 year old presses on her side of her eye and sometimes looks out the side of her eye to watch TV.  (appearing to use her peripheral vision) I had her eyes checked today and also did a refraction test.  She had color tests, refraction, depth tests and of course all the usual tests .. she is fine 20/20 and she states she sees fine, just as a Mom I wanted to make sure.  Hope this helps someone who is panicking on the inside about their child.  I OF COURSE recommend getting your childs eyes checked, but its nice to hear every now and then its OK, and the results are fine.  :)

[maxmow]

I have watched tv from the side for my whole life. I never had a vision problem and things always looked clear to me. I'm now 40, have migraines and haven't read a book in years because its uncomfortable and difficult to stay focused. No optometrist has ever had an answer. Ophthalmologist did some testing and said I have a convergence issue. He recommended a computer software for eye exercises. It's worth getting checked out and ask if there could be a convergence insufficiency.

[SFmonsterdark]

Great info, great to read about this.

[Sandman2]

Good info.  Thanks for posting!!!

[OTforAll]

As an Occupational Therapist, I have seen this often with my kids at school.  Often this is a symptom of difficulty with vision pursuit (visual tracking) or nystagmus.  Your VERY BEST option is to see a Developmental Optometrist (you can find one here: www.covd.org).  This is covered the same as a visit to a eye doctor in the mall, but a developmental optometrist will look at eye teaming/nystagmus/pursuit, as well as the "head tilt/ sideways looking" symptoms you are describing.   This is a common problem that is overlooked by people in primary care because it requires time and knowledge about vision.  

This is an incredibly easy thing to diagnose: do yourself a favor and get the right professional involved! :)

[run4fun007]

My 10 year old daughter does this too and always has.  We've taken her to the optometrist and she is not concerned.  She is struggling reader and even with glasses I am not convinced that she can see things as I see them.  Just recently she has been complaining that her right eye hurts and its more the muscle as she points to the outside of her eye between her temple and corner of her eye. I'm not sure if there is any connection but I am asking for an opthamalogist appoint meant and hope this give more direction.

[Blwt78]

My eight year just start watching tv out the corner of eye and head turned sideways ...we go to doctor tomorrow I have made a list of things to asked doctor such as rugby ball stigma .....my son said he is just comfortable that way ..but know he is doing it when people are at a distance of 3 to 5 feet ...

[nikobean]

My 4 year old daughter does this too.  The doctors don't seem to concerned.  She does it when she watches TV and looks out the car window.  She looks out the corner of her eyes on either side.  I have no idea how she can see anything like that!

[Sandman2]

    Ummmmm, that's a pretty common thing to do if a person having problems hearing.   Its possible that he could have a hearing problem in one ear.  Something as simple as a wax buildup can do that.  Your family doctor can easily take care of that, and maybe also do a hearing test.

[kernal]

Sandman2: His ear is turned towards the tv, rather than being pointed towards the ceiling. This weekend he said that his neck pains when he watches tv staright on, and he does look sideways in class as well.
RockRose: I took note of your comment on the peripheral vision and asked whether he is able to see things clearly when he looks straight on, to which he replied 'yes'
Thank you all for your kind interest & assistance.

[Sandman2]

   I really couldn't tell how his head was turned by your description.  If his ear is turned toward the ty, it could be a hearing problem.  If one ear is on his shoulder, and the other pointed at the ceiling - then I doubt it.

[kernal]

He performs all other activities looking at things normally, it's just while watching TV. His teacher also advised that he looks at things normally in class.  We've taken him to an eye doctor who advised that all was fine and he would 'grow out of this habit'  We will however take him for a second opinion, and to seek doctor's advice on the organ disorders. Thank you for your responses.

[allmymarbles]

Take him to an eye doctor.

[RockRose]

Do you mean his head is tipped to the left or the right,  or do you mean he is appearing to watch TV in his peripheral vision?  If he's watching in his peripheral vision,  that means that's how he gets the clearest image.  Sounds like an astigmatism or some other visual problem. I don't think telling him to watch straight on will be helpful - he's having trouble seeing straight on.

Yellowy eyes can indicate liver or kidney problems.