Several different eye problems can present themselves during the first few months of life. These problems, while mostly treatable, can cause serious issues if not brought to the attention of a pediatrician in a timely manner. Parents should know what to look for.
Normal Infant Vision
A newborn's visual acuity is nowhere near that of an adult. It's about 20/400, and children do not reach 20/20 vision until they are approximately 2. Don't be concerned that your child doesn't seem to be able to see objects that are at a distance. Infants most aptly detect highly contrasted colors and changes in light.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, which most people know as pink eye, is a very common eye infection in infants and young children. It can be brought on by an allergy, or it can be contracted from another person. It causes the eye to become pink or red and to excrete mucus. Although not dangerous, pink eye can be uncomfortable and itchy. It's typically treated with antibiotic eye drops. Parents should ensure their child does not spread pink eye to other children by keeping her home until treatment has begun.
Strabismus
Strabismus is most commonly known as being cross-eyed. Although many believe this condition is caused by muscle weakness in the eyes, this is rarely the case. Strabismus can be caused by genetic disorders or problems in the vision center of the brain. However, parents who notice that their infants' eyes do not always point in the same direction should not rush to a diagnosis of strabismus. It's normal for young babies' eyes to wander for the first few months of life. This eye problem is usually treated with the use of eye patches or glasses.
Blocked Tear Ducts
Blocked tear ducts are common in babies. The tear ducts, often blocked at birth, clear by themselves during the first few months of life. Watery eyes and mucous discharge are signs that your baby may have a blocked tear duct. The mucus is most often seen as a crust around the baby's eye after a period of sleep. If blocked tear ducts don't clear on their own, regular massage of the area often helps. In more severe cases, surgery may become necessary.
Cataracts
A rare but more serious eye condition seen in some newborns is the presence of cataracts. This clouding of the lens of the eye, also seen in elderly people, can severely impede or even block vision. Pediatricians look for this condition at birth and at subsequent office visits, and take swift action if it has occurred. The only way to completely cure a cataract is with eye surgery.
