Are you looking for answers on how to tell if your baby is blind?
It takes time for a newborn’s eyes to fully develop. At birth, infants lack the visual abilities they need in life and are very nearsighted.
Progressively, your little angel will learn to focus his eyes, move them accurately and use them together.
However, since it takes your baby’s eyes some time to adapt to the world, it can be pretty intimidating for parents and caregivers to know what to expect or if they are functioning correctly.
It can be challenging to determine if your baby has eye and vision problems or, worse, if they are blind. Fortunately, there are sure signs to indicate vision problems in infants.
How To Tell If Your Baby Is Blind
First and foremost, eye and vision problems in babies can cause developmental delays. Your little one’s vision is essential to her intellectual development.
Therefore, it’s paramount to detect any issues as early as possible to ensure infants don’t miss out on the opportunities to develop their visual abilities.
Babies with visual problems tend to have typical-looking eyes. Moreover, infants lack a sharp vision making it tough to determine if they are blind.
Most babies can easily focus on faces and objects on the eighth week after birth.
Then, they will start to respond to familiar faces, follow objects with their eyes and reach for things.
This is a milestone most toddlers accomplish at three months of age.
On the other hand, if a baby is blind or has vision impairment, you will notice they will have trouble following or tracking objects with their eyes.
Signs Your Baby Has Vision Problems
If your baby doesn’t seem distracted by lights and other distractions such as mobile phones and toys don’t catch their attention, they might be having visual impairments.
Babies grow at different rates, but by about three months old, they should track objects with their eyes.
Subsequently, they should make eye contact and smile with familiar faces.
If your little one can’t achieve this feat three months after birth, then they might be having visual impairments.
Also, if your baby’s eyes hurry from side to side, jerk or wander randomly, your baby might have an eye issue that needs to be evaluated.
Other warning signs on how to tell if your baby is blind are:
- Their pupils appear white or cloudy instead of black. If you notice greyish-white or yellow stuff in your infant’s pupils, you should have their eyes checked. Moreover, when taking photos of your cute angel, the images should appear somewhat red-eye caused by the camera flash. However, if you notice unusual or white spots in the pictures, it could be a sign your baby has vision problems.
- Although it’s typical for babies to look cross-eyed during their first month, consult your pediatrician if you continue to notice an eye that turns inwards or outwards. Also, they might have visual problems if either eye appears to be bulging.
- Your baby might have a blocked tear duct or infection such as conjunctivitis that might lead to vision problems if, when they cry, they tear excessively. Also, redness after crying that lasts more than a few hours and pus or crust in an infant’s eye could be a sign of vision problem.
- Older babies who rub their eyes a lot, especially if they are not sleepy, could signify that they have vision problems.
Also read: 10 Most Common Types of Birth Injuries
It would be best to see a pediatrician or an optometrist as early as possible if you have concerns about your baby’s vision.
This way, you will get a diagnosis, intervention and necessary treatment as early as possible. Also, don’t forget to mention if vision problems run in your family.
Conclusion
The above are the most common signs on how to tell if your baby is blind.
It’s vital to detect any of these signs as early as possible to ensure your baby doesn’t have complications as they develop their visual abilities.
Most importantly, it’s essential to take your baby for an eye exam before six months, even if they don’t show any signs of vision problems.
Also, read: Why Does My Baby Rub Her Face on Me
Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes Babies to be Blind?
There are several causes for blindness in babies.
However, genetic mutations, congenital disabilities, premature birth, nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin A deficiency and injuries are the primary causes of blindness in babies.
Do Blind Babies Know They Are Blind?
Babies born blind can’t know what it is like to see, and it’s a normal feeling to them.
However, as they come of age, they understand how things should work out.
Therefore, parents and caregivers need to explain blindness to babies positively and convey the attitude that it’s not their fault that they are blind.
When Should I Worry About My Baby’s Blocked Tear Duct?
Blocked tear ducts in babies is quite common and, in most cases, should fix itself.
However, if you notice symptoms of redness, swelling and pus in their eyes, it’s vital to seek medical attention.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.