You might wonder if you are a new parent if your child can see you make silly faces across the space or if their crossed eyes is normal. Infant vision develops quickly from birth, and it is crucial for babies to achieve normal developmental milestones. It can be hard to tell what changes in the eyes of infants are normal or not. In this article, we’ll examine some of these differences.
What changes in the eyes occur during childhood?
Visual development begins at birth, and continues throughout the first years of life. This is different than other senses such as hearing, which is fully developed at birth.
The Critical Period occurs during the period of a child’s life where brain cells are more flexible (able to be changed and strengthened). The brain may not develop properly if it doesn’t get the right sensory input. This includes hearing and sight. As a child gets older, it becomes harder to change the hardwiring in the brain.
The critical period for visual skills varies:
- Visual Acuity (clear and detailed vision)develops between birth and age 5. Visual acuity is measured in 20/20, which corresponds to adult vision. 20/200 indicates that you can see only the large letters at the top of the eye chart.
- Stereopsis develops between 5 months and 2 years.
- Color Vision Develops primarily between birth and 5 months.
- Amblyopia is an abnormal visual development caused by poor vision in only one eye, or Strabismus. Amblyopia may develop as early as several months and can last up to eight years.
What are the visual milestones I should expect for my baby?
Following are some eye-related findings in the first year.
Birth
- Visual acuity: 20/400 (focusing primarily on objects 8-10 inches away).
- Can fixate on objects
- Cannot easily follow objects
- It is possible to experience intermittent strabismus (the eyes may wander or appear crossed-eyed).
- The visual acuity increases from 20/300 down to 20/100.
- Make eye contact with parents and focus on their faces.
- Eyes develop normal alignment.
- By 3 months, the child can follow and reach after moving objects.
- Binocularity can be detected (both eyes tracking together).
- The visual acuity increases from 20/100 up to 20/30.
- By 5 months, the eyes are straight and there is no eye turning.
- The coordination and eye movement continue to improve.
- Keep an eye on your own hands.
- Grabs and holds things, placing them in the mouth.
- The eyes move between people or objects.
- Around 5 months, depth perception starts.
- Around 5 months, the majority of color vision develops.
- The eyes can track objects up to 6 feet away.
- Reaching for objects with purpose is a deliberate act.
- The development of eye-body coordination is enhanced by crawling around for 8 months.
- Recognizes faces of family members or parents.
- Take a closer look at cereals and other small items.
- Throw objects and judge distances with greater precision.
- Around 9 months, they can stand up.
- The majority of babies are able to walk before 12 months.
These milestones can help you monitor your baby’s progress. Knowing what is abnormal and when you should seek medical attention are equally important.
What are the signs of infant eye disease?
Monitor your baby carefully to avoid complications that could be difficult to treat or cause permanent damage to their vision if diagnosed late.
These are some of the signs you should look out for:
- Strabismus can occur at birth. Most of the time, the eyes will align in a matter of months. Constant eye turning is a cause for concern. It should be addressed immediately to reduce the chance of amblyopia.
- Droopy eyeslids may be present from birth. Amblyopia may develop if the eyelids block the child’s view.
- Epicanthal Folds is the name of upper eyelid folds that cover the inner corner. These folds do not cause concern and are very common among babies of Asian descent. Epicanthal folds may cause eyes to look crossed even when they are not. Excessive tears may indicate congenital or blocked tear ducts. Glaucoma is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
- Light sensitivity, and a tendency to close the eyes, are also signs of congenital Glaucoma.
- Clouding the eye can indicate congenital cataracts or corneal scarring. These conditions may affect the development of vision.
- Red eye with crusting or dischargemay be an indication of an infection in the eyes or a blocked tear canal.
- White pupils can be a sign that retinoblastoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the eye. These tumors are aggressive and can spread quickly to other parts of the body. Therefore, prompt medical attention is needed.
Consult a pediatrician immediately if you see any of these signs in your child. Early diagnosis and treatment can save a child’s vision, or in the case of retinoblastoma save their life.
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