From birth, babies begin learning about the world through their eyes, and their vision develops faster than many parents realize. That's why parents in St. Charles, Wentzville, Creve Coeur, and St. Peters should be aware of when they should bring their children for pediatric eye exams.
At Midwest Eye Associates, we’re proud to support growing families across Missouri with compassionate, comprehensive care to ensure healthy development and catch potential issues before they affect your child’s learning or quality of life.
The Stages of Infant Eye Development
Babies are not born with fully developed vision. Their eyesight matures gradually over the first year of life.
- 0–2 months: Babies can only see high-contrast shapes and colors, about 8–10 inches away
- 2–4 months: Eye tracking improves, and they start to follow moving objects
- 5–8 months: Depth perception and color vision begin to develop
- 9–12 months: They should be using both eyes together and showing improved hand-eye coordination
While these stages are typical, each child develops differently. That’s why scheduling an infant eye test around 6 months of age is recommended by the American Optometric Association.
5 Common Infant Eye Issues and What They Mean
Even with attentive care, it’s not always easy to tell when something is wrong with your baby’s eyes. Here are five of the most common eye concerns we see in infants, what they might mean, and when to reach out for care.
1. Blocked Tear Ducts
Symptoms: Constant tearing, watery eyes, and mild crusting
A blocked tear duct prevents tears from draining properly, leading to excessive watering and potential infection. This condition is common in newborns and usually clears up by age one, but persistent symptoms should be evaluated by our eye doctor.
2. Strabismus (Crossed Eyes)
Symptoms: One eye appears to turn inward or outward
Strabismus affects how the eyes align and can lead to issues like double vision or amblyopia if not treated. Early detection is critical, as treatment options like vision therapy or corrective lenses are more effective when started early.
3. Ptosis (Droopy Eyelid)
Symptoms: One upper eyelid droops lower than the other
Ptosis can be mild or severe and may interfere with normal vision development if it blocks the line of sight. While some cases resolve without intervention, others require monitoring or surgical correction.
4. Red or Swollen Eyelids
Symptoms: Redness, puffiness, or tenderness of the eyelid
This may be due to irritation, allergy, or infection, such as conjunctivitis. While many cases are mild, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed to rule out more serious conditions.
5. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Symptoms: One eye appears weaker or does not focus properly
Amblyopia occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to underdevelopment of vision in the affected eye. It often shows no obvious signs and can only be diagnosed through an infant eye exam, making early visits essential.
What Happens During an Infant Eye Exam?
Your baby’s first eye exam at Midwest Eye Associates will be thorough but stress-free. Here’s what you can expect:
- Medical History: We’ll ask about birth history and any family vision problems
- Visual Behavior Observation: Our optometrists gently check how your child’s eyes respond to light, movement, and focus
- Eye Structure Check: We examine the outer and inner parts of the eye for any abnormalities
- Use of Eye Drops (if needed): Baby eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils. These are specially formulated and safe for infants
Give Your Baby the Best Start with Expert Eye Care in Missouri
We understand that trusting someone with your baby’s care is a big decision. At Midwest Eye Associates, we’ve built our reputation around putting families first, and that includes our tiniest patients.
Book your child's eye exam in St. Charles, Wentzville, Creve Coeur, or St. Peters, and our experienced optometrists are here to guide you through every stage of your child’s vision.
Infant Eye Health FAQs
When should my baby have their first eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends an infant eye exam at 6 months of age or earlier if you notice unusual symptoms like crossed eyes or excessive tearing.
Are eye drops safe for babies?
Yes. Baby eye drops used during exams are safe and carefully dosed for infants. Never use over-the-counter drops without talking to an optometrist about your child's eye problems.
My baby’s eyes are watery all the time. Should I be worried?
Constant tearing may be a sign of a blocked tear duct. This is common and often resolves on its own, but it’s best to have it evaluated.
Can screen time affect my baby’s vision?
Yes. Too much screen exposure in infancy may delay visual development. We recommend minimizing screen time and focusing on real-world interaction.