Newborns come into the world with eyes that are still developing. In fact, the eyes are one of the last organs to fully mature in the body, and it takes several months for a baby's vision to fully develop. Here are some things to expect when it comes to newborns' eyes and vision:

What and How They See Things

Newborns' vision is quite limited at birth. They can see objects that are about 8-12 inches away from their face, which is roughly the distance from their face to their caregiver's face during feeding. Beyond that distance, objects are blurry and indistinct. Newborns are also very sensitive to light and may squint or turn away from bright lights.

It's important to note that newborns see the world differently than adults do. They don't yet have the ability to focus their eyes or track moving objects, and they may have trouble distinguishing between colors. Over time, as their vision develops, they will begin to track objects and follow movements with their eyes.

Eye Color

Eye color is determined by the amount and type of pigments in the iris. At birth, a baby's eyes may appear blue or gray, but over the first few months of life, the pigments in the iris will begin to develop and the true eye color will emerge. In some cases, a baby's eye color may not stabilize until they are a year or two old.

Common Newborn Eye Conditions

Newborns may also experience some common eye conditions. Here are a few to be aware of:

Nasal Lacrimal Duct Obstruction (NLDO): This occurs when the tear ducts that drain tears from the eyes to the nose are blocked. Signs of NLDO include excessive tearing, discharge from the eyes, and irritation around the eyes. Most cases of NLDO resolve on their own within a few months, but in rare cases, surgery may be required. Best way to help resolve this is warm compresses and a gentle massage near the inside corner of the ey.
Conjunctivitis: This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it can be a reaction to irritants. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and discharge from the eyes. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Strabismus: This is a condition in which the eyes are misaligned and don't point in the same direction. Strabismus can lead to amblyopia, or lazy eye, which can cause permanent vision problems if left untreated. Treatment for strabismus may include glasses, eye patches, or surgery.

Enhancing Children's Vision

Parents can play a role in enhancing their children's vision from an early age. Here are a few things they can do:

Provide visual stimulation: High-contrast patterns and colors can help stimulate a newborn's developing vision. Mobiles, toys with bright colors, and black and white picture books are all good options.
Practice tummy time: Tummy time can help a baby develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, which will eventually help with eye coordination and focus.
Schedule regular eye exams: Regular eye exams can help identify vision problems early on and ensure that your child's vision is developing normally. We recommend a baby’s first eye exam between 6 to 12 months old.
Protect their eyes from the sun: Sunglasses with UV protection can help protect your child's eyes from harmful UV rays.

In conclusion, newborns' eyes and vision are still developing at birth. They have limited vision and are sensitive to light. Parents can help enhance their child's vision by providing visual stimulation, practicing tummy time, scheduling regular eye exams, and protecting their eyes from the sun. By taking these steps, parents can help ensure that their child's eyes and vision develop normally and healthily.

Newborns' Eyes and Vision