Babies' Eyes

It is an age of amazement and wonder for your baby.  Everything is new and exciting.  And vision is one of your baby’s most important links to this new world.

In their first weeks and months, babies learn to use their eyes—and their eyes actually learn how to see.  While each eye has the physical structure it needs to begin to see, the two eyes haven’t learned to work together yet.  Track the stages and participate in your newborn’s eye development as you spend time with your baby.

The best way to help keep your baby's eyes healthy is through regular professional examinations.  Chances are your pediatrician will examine your baby’s eyes in one of the first few visits.  This simple examination will determine if there are any early vision or eye concerns.  Babies should have a comprehensive eye exam by a licensed eye doctor by six months.

A balanced diet can make the difference in overall health and wellness. While your baby will not be eating from the four food groups for awhile, knowing which foods contain the nutrients that promote eye health can help you start making these choices as part of your diet; healthy habits you can share when the time is right.

When your baby can hardly roll over, it seems much too early to be concerned about eye safety, but babies are naturally curious.  While it is true that most accidents happen at home, that doesn't mean you can relax when you leave the house. Most places you go—including playgrounds—aren't likely to be baby-proofed, so it is up to you to keep a vigilant eye out.  It is not easy to judge the extent or severity of any eye injury so if your baby's eye is injured, know your first aid and get immediate, professional medical attention.