Your baby arrives into the world with limited vision, even though his eyes are already 65 percent of their adult size, according to All About Vision. Over time, your baby's vision increases as the nerve cells in his retina and brain develop. As your baby grows, stimulate his vision daily to help his eyes reach developmental milestones.
Birth through 5 Months
At birth, your baby cannot focus on near objects, such as your face, and she only sees in black, white and gray. After one week of life, your baby sees the colors green, orange, yellow and red. Her ability to see in blue and violet comes later. Because your baby's eyes are not well-coordinated for the first two months, cross-eyes or a wandering eye is normal, says the American Optometric Association. However, one eye should not constantly turn in or out. By 3 months, your baby's eyes work better together, allowing her to reach for objects. Your baby begins to follow objects by moving her eyes, not her head, between 2 and 3 months.
6 Months through 12 Months
The American Optometric Association recommends your baby have his first thorough eye exam at 6 months. By 6 months, you baby's color vision is similar to that of an adult, and his vision improves to 20/25. From 7 to 12 months, your baby's improved vision allows him to more accurately grab for objects and judge distances. According to All About Vision, your baby's eyes may change from blue to brown, green or to a mixture of colors as the iris produces more dark pigment.
Premature Babies
A premature baby born before 37 weeks is at a higher risk for eye problems, according to Family Doctor. Strabismus, known commonly as cross-eyes, is more prevalent in premature babies. If your baby was born before 32 weeks, she is at risk for retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP. ROP causes the small blood vessels in the eye grow abnormally. Your preemie may also have nystagmus, an involuntary, back-and-forth movement of both eyes. Nystagmus may be present at birth or develop later.
Warning Signs
Eye problems in infants are rare, but if your baby has any of the following warning signs, he should see his pediatrician or optometrist immediately, warns the American Optometric Association. Excessive tearing indicates a blocked tear duct. Red or encrusted eye lids is a red flag for infection. Constant eye turning may indicate a problem with eye muscle control. Extreme sensitivity to light signals elevated eye pressure. The appearance of a white pupil indicates eye cancer. Additionally, if your baby does not reach any of the monthly milestones, he may have a vision problem.
Eye Stimulation
All About Vision and the American Optometric Association offer many tips to help stimulate your baby's eyes. Decorate your baby's room with bright colors and a variety of shapes. Starting at 2 months, change the room by adding new colors or moving the crib around the room. Leave a nightlight on so your baby can look around her colorful room when she is awake. Set toys 8 to 12 inches out of baby's reach to encourage him to reach for objects. Boost fine motor skills with toys, such as blocks. Beginning at 5 months, play patty cake and peek-a-boo, which help visual memory. Always name objects as you interact with your baby so your baby will connect the words with the images.
