The Concern Of Newborn Cross-Eyed Appearance

It is common for newborns to have crossed eyes, and it is usually nothing to worry about. In the first few months of a baby's life, their eyes are still developing and learning to focus, so it is normal for them to appear cross-eyed occasionally. By the time a baby is around 4 months old, their eyes should be working together and the crossing should stop. However, if a baby's eyes are still crossing after this time, it could be a sign of an eye condition called strabismus, which may require treatment.

Cross-eyed newborns are common and typically harmless

It is common for newborns to have crossed eyes, and in most cases, this is perfectly normal and harmless. Newborns' eyes are still developing, and their muscles are weak, so it is typical for their eyes to move out of sync and for their gaze to appear off-kilter. This usually resolves by the time the baby is around 4 months old as their eye muscles strengthen and they learn to focus.

Newborns spend nine months in the darkness of the womb and do not need to use their vision in utero. Their eyes are therefore uncoordinated when they are born, and they need time to learn to focus and move together. In addition, some babies are born with extra skin folds in the inner corners of their eyes or with a wide-bridged nose, which can give the appearance of crossed eyes. As they grow, these skin folds disappear, and their eyes start to appear straighter.

When to be concerned

Although crossed eyes in newborns are usually harmless, it is important to monitor the situation. If your baby's eyes are still crossing regularly after they are 4 months old, it is a good idea to get them checked by a doctor. This is because, in some cases, crossed eyes can be a sign of an eye condition called strabismus, which occurs when the eye muscles don't coordinate eye movements correctly. Strabismus can lead to a "lazy eye" and vision loss if left untreated, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Newborns' eyes are uncoordinated and need time to develop and strengthen

It is common for a newborn's eyes to move out of sync, and for them to occasionally cross, wander, or move in different directions. This is usually harmless and nothing to worry about. However, if a baby's eyes continue to cross or move in different directions past 6 months of age, or if they stay crossed or turned in different directions for more than a few seconds at a time, it is recommended that you seek advice from a pediatrician.

By the time a baby is 3 to 4 months old, their eyes should be working together to follow objects. If their eyes are still out of sync by this age, it is recommended that you seek advice from a doctor, who may suggest visiting a pediatric ophthalmologist for vision testing.

If left untreated, a condition called strabismus, or eye misalignment, can develop. This is when just one eye focuses on what the baby is looking at, while the other wanders. This can lead to 'lazy eye' or amblyopia, where the neglected eye becomes weaker from disuse and results in vision loss.

The shape of a newborn's face can make their eyes look crossed

It's not unusual for a newborn's eyes to appear crossed, and this is usually not a cause for concern. In the first few months of a baby's life, their vision is still developing, and their eyes are learning to focus. As a result, it's common for their eyes to wander or move out of sync. This is especially true for newborns, who have spent their entire existence in darkness up until birth, and therefore haven't had much practice with focusing their vision.

In some cases, however, the appearance of crossed eyes in newborns is not due to their still-developing vision, but rather to the shape of their face during infancy. Healthcare providers refer to this as pseudostrabismus. According to Dr. Rajyalakshmi Rambhatla, a pediatrician:

> Many babies have a wider nose and small folds of eyelid skin that cover the inner corners of their eyes. When you can't see the inner corner of their eyes, your baby may look a little cross-eyed. But as your baby grows, these skin folds become less prominent, and their eyes will appear straight.

So, if your newborn's eyes appear crossed, it's likely nothing to worry about. However, if you are concerned, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider, who can advise you on whether there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Strabismus is a common eye condition in children that is treatable

Strabismus: A Common Eye Condition in Children That Is Treatable

Strabismus, or eye misalignment, is a common condition in children where one eye turns in a different direction from the other. It is usually found in children but can also occur in adults. Treatment options include glasses, patching, eye exercises, medication, or surgery.

Causes of Strabismus

Strabismus occurs when the six muscles that control eye movement don't work together, resulting in problems with controlling eye movement and maintaining normal ocular alignment. It can be caused by a problem with neuromuscular control or, less commonly, an issue with the eye muscle itself. A family history of strabismus is also a factor, with about 30% of children with the condition having a family member with a similar problem.

Symptoms of Strabismus

Symptoms of strabismus include closing or covering one eye when looking at nearby objects, tilting or turning the head, and closing one eye in bright light or when looking at distant objects.

Treatment Options for Strabismus

The treatment options for strabismus depend on the specific situation. They include:

• Eyeglasses or contact lenses: Corrective lenses can help eyes remain straight by reducing the effort needed to focus.
• Prism lenses: These special lenses bend light entering the eye to relieve double vision.
• Orthoptics (eye exercises): These may work for some types of strabismus, especially convergence insufficiency.
• Medications: Eye drops, ointments, or injections can weaken an overactive eye muscle.
• Patching: Covering the normally functioning eye for a few hours a day encourages the weaker eye to work on its own, strengthening the muscles and improving focus.
• Eye muscle surgery: This involves detaching and reattaching the muscle to a new spot to straighten the eyes and prevent vision loss.

When to Seek Help for Strabismus

If you notice any symptoms of strabismus in your child, it is important to schedule an eye exam with an ophthalmologist right away. While strabismus is a treatable condition, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent vision loss and ensure your child develops healthy vision.

Consult a doctor if your baby's eyes continue to cross past 6 months of age

It is common for newborns to have crossed eyes, and this is usually harmless and goes away on its own. However, if your baby's eyes continue to cross or move in different directions past six months of age, it is important to consult a doctor.

Crossed eyes in babies older than six months may indicate an eye condition called strabismus, which occurs when the eye muscles don't coordinate eye movements correctly. Strabismus is treatable, and early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the best chance of healthy vision. If left untreated, strabismus can lead to a "lazy eye", where the brain ignores the visual images of the weaker eye, resulting in vision problems.

If you are concerned about your baby's crossed eyes, don't hesitate to bring it up with your healthcare provider. They can refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist or eye doctor who specialises in infants for a dilated eye exam to determine the cause of the eye turn and the necessary treatment. Treatment options for strabismus include eyeglasses, eye patches, eye drops, and, in rare cases, surgery.

It is important to remember that a newborn's vision is still developing, and their eyes are just getting used to the outside world. However, if your baby's eyes continue to cross past six months, it is crucial to seek medical advice to ensure they receive the necessary care for their eyes and vision.

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