Strabismus in Infants: Causes and Vision Training Tips

Q: Strabismus in Infants: Causes and Vision Training Tips

Hello： Regarding your question, the response can be divided into two parts as follows： <br>1. <br>The visual development of infants can be observed through objective methods： At birth, the visual acuity of both eyes is approximately 0.01, which is not yet fully developed. <br>At

Strabismus

Hello, my baby is almost 3 months old, but I recently noticed that she has a bit of strabismus.
Perhaps it's because she has been staring at her own hands a lot lately, and the music mobile above her crib is not very far away.
Should I avoid letting her focus on the same spot for too long? I would like to ask the doctor if this is normal.
Additionally, is strabismus congenital or acquired? If I want to train her vision, where should I start? Thanks.

jerry, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/09/20

Dr. Liu Jingxian reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Regarding your question, the response can be divided into two parts as follows:
1.
The visual development of infants can be observed through objective methods: At birth, the visual acuity of both eyes is approximately 0.01, which is not yet fully developed.
At this stage, infants cannot fixate on a specific object, and we can observe that their eyes tend to move around as if they are searching for something.
By the time the infant reaches three months of age, their visual acuity has developed to about 0.1, and they can fixate on specific objects, especially those that are richly colored.
Therefore, appropriate stimulation can positively aid in the visual development of infants.
For example, colorful musical mobiles above the crib or their own little hands.
This is why your baby may be staring at the surrounding objects.
2.
On the other hand, regarding whether your baby has strabismus, it can be simply assessed by using a flashlight to project light and observing the reflection point in the baby's eyes.
When the reflection point is at the center of the pupil, congratulations, your baby is normal.
However, if your baby's condition appears to be due to a wider distance between the inner corners of the eyes, the white part of the eyes on the inner side may be obscured, which can make it look like they have esotropia.
3.
Therefore, I suggest you conduct a preliminary check.
If you still have concerns, it is best to take your baby to the hospital for a thorough examination.
Wishing you good health.
Dr.
Liu Jing-Hsiu
Ophthalmology
Taipei City Hospital Zhongxing Branch
Taiwan e-Learning Academy of Ophthalmology

Reply Date: 2004/09/20

More Info

Strabismus, commonly known as "crossed eyes" or "squint," is a condition where the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. In infants, it is not uncommon for the eyes to appear misaligned, especially in the first few months of life. This can be due to the immaturity of the eye muscles and the visual system.

Normal Development and Causes of Strabismus in Infants
In infants, particularly those under six months, it is normal for the eyes to occasionally appear misaligned. This is often due to the development of the visual system, which is still maturing. By the age of three to four months, most infants begin to develop better control over their eye movements. If your baby is showing signs of strabismus, it is essential to monitor the situation. If the misalignment persists beyond six months, it may warrant further evaluation by a pediatric ophthalmologist.

Strabismus can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Congenital strabismus is often due to genetic factors or developmental issues with the eye muscles. Acquired strabismus can result from various factors, including neurological issues, trauma, or significant refractive errors (like severe nearsightedness or farsightedness).

Vision Training Tips for Infants
While formal vision training is typically not recommended for very young infants, there are several ways you can encourage healthy visual development:
1. Encourage Visual Tracking: Use toys that make noise or have bright colors to capture your baby's attention. Move the toy slowly from side to side and encourage your baby to follow it with their eyes.

2. Limit Screen Time: While it may be tempting to let your baby watch videos or TV, it is essential to limit screen time for infants. Instead, engage them with real-life interactions and toys.

3. Provide Visual Variety: Change the environment by introducing different colors, shapes, and textures. This can help stimulate your baby's visual system.

4. Positioning: Ensure that your baby has opportunities to look at objects from various angles. This can be done by placing toys at different heights and distances.

5. Encourage Tummy Time: This helps strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, which can contribute to better eye control as your baby learns to lift their head and look around.

When to Seek Help
If you notice that your baby's eyes consistently appear misaligned, or if they seem to have difficulty focusing on objects, it is crucial to consult a pediatric ophthalmologist. Early intervention can be vital in managing strabismus effectively.

Conclusion
In summary, while some degree of eye misalignment is normal in infants, persistent strabismus should be evaluated by a specialist. Encouraging visual development through play and interaction is beneficial, but if concerns arise, seeking professional advice is essential. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for children with strabismus, helping them develop healthy vision as they grow.

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