- By Iram Hussain
- Thu, 28 Nov 2024 05:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
When a child is born there is happiness yet there are also lots of questions that arise, particularly those concerning the health and growth of the infant. Out of these worries, there is one that is often ignored and that is the level of your baby’s eye health. Here is a comprehensive guide explaining what are the common concerns new parents encounter and how they can go about making sure their infant’s eyes are healthy and developing well.
In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, Viaan Eye and Retina Centre explained the common eye concerns in newborns and also listed tips to maintain healthy vision of babies.
Development Of Eye In Newborns
Vision is one of the last senses to develop in a baby. They can only see objects approximately 8 – 12 inches in distance and may only be able to see greyscale shades. Vision develops tremendously faster in the first year of life as it develops focus, object tracking and colour perception. It is advisable to observe the baby during this span of time in order to be able to catch and correct any issues early on.
Problems That Are Common In Newborn Eyes
Eye Crossover or Eye Strabismus - Parents should expect the eyes of their newborns to be fairly crossed or wandering on occasion. Any cross-eyed appearance after six months requires assessment and parents should be concerned as it may signal strabismus which needs attention from a qualified eye professional.
Blocked Tear Ducts- It is likely that many newborns will have blocked tear ducts that will lead to a lot of tears being shed or a slight discharge. This condition usually goes away on its own but can be aided by gentle massage and cleaning. If it doesn’t go away, see an ophthalmologist.
Eye Infections- The redness, swelling or discharge of the eyes may be signs of an infectious process like conjunctivitis. Medical assistance and hygiene measures would be crucial to avoid complications.
Congenital Cataracts- There are some babies that are born with congenital cataracts which is a condition that clouds the child’s lens thereby affecting the child’s eyesight. Early diagnosis and treatment, usually in the form of surgery, can help prevent long-term vision problems.
Expert Tips for Newborn Eye Care
Regular Eye Check-ups Should Be Done Without Fail- An eye checkup is strongly advised soon after birth and regular follow-up check-ups and visits to the pediatrician can review eye development in children.
Encourage Visual Development- Encourage your baby’s visual development by providing appropriate stimulating objects. High-contrast patterned items, coloured toys and games that require interaction can help develop babies' visual acuity.
Practice Hygiene - To prevent eye infections, clean the eyes of your infant by wiping them with a clean damp soft cloth. Do not let your baby be around stimuli such as smoke and particulate material that may irritate their eyes.
Prevention Of UV Radiation Exposure- Newborns do not spend most of their time outside but it is necessary to shield them from the harsh rays of the sun. As a preventive measure while venturing outside during the day use a stroller shade or wear a hat.
Warning Signs To Look For- Look out for the following signs that could point to an underlying concern that needs medical assistance; excessive tearing, redness of the eye, constant rubbing of the eye or the presence of a white pupil reflex in pictures with flash taken instead of the normal red eye.
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