As a parent, you should be able to recognize facts from myths concerning your baby's eyes. Sometimes, getting the wrong information might compromise your child's eye health. Other times it just leaves you clueless about you baby's eye development.
To help you clear the air, Ophthalmology24 will be answering the most controversial questions concerning myths about baby eyes. Read on.
Table of Content:
Myths and Facts About Baby Eyes: Answering Your Questions
There are several eyecare myths or misconceptions related to baby eyes. We will discuss them in the form of questions and answers.
Are All Babies Born with Blue Eyes?
No. What determines eye color at birth is the amount and type of pigments in the front part of the iris. It also relies on the scattering of light by the turbid medium in the iris stroma.
A newborn's eye color may be blue, but it can change over time as the pigments in the iris are still developing in the first year or two. The baby's eye color, after the iris fully develops, depends on genetic factors inherited from the parents.
The specific combination of genes from both parents determines the color of a baby's eyes. Certain medical conditions could also alter eye color. Overall, babies of all ethnicities can be born with brown, hazel, green, or blue eyes.
In fact, according to a NEST study (Newborn Eye Screening Test) including 192 subjects, the prevalence of iris color in newborns was brown with 63%, while blue only got 20.8%.
Should Babies Undergo Regular Eye Exams?
Yes. Regular vision screenings are extremely important to ensure your baby's eyes develop healthily. In addition, eye doctors recommend that babies have their first pediatric eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. (Even if there are no apparent vision issues.)
Are Babies Born with Perfect Vision?
No. While babies are born with the ability to see, their eye development continues for the next 12 months. Newborns typically have blurry vision and are more sensitive to light. Their eyesight improves over time as their baby eyes develop and they gain more visual experiences.
Will Crossed or Misaligned Baby Eyes Correct Themselves as They Grow?
Not necessarily. Baby eyes often appear mismatched during a newborn's first couple of months. However, it is not always something that corrects itself in time. The misalignment, known as strabismus, may require an eye doctor's attention if it persists beyond the first few months of life.
Should You Cover Baby Eyes During Sleep to Prevent Vision Problems?
No. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that covering baby eyes during sleep prevents vision problems. In fact, this may interfere with their natural eye development and visual experiences, and may also be dangerous.
Do All Babies Have the Same Vision at Birth?
No. While newborns have limited visual acuity, some may have better vision than others. Factors such as genetics, birth weight, and health affect a baby's visual development. Additionally, some babies may be born with certain eye conditions or diseases that impair their vision.
Can Babies See Colors?
Yes. Contrary to popular belief, a baby sees and distinguishes colors from an early age. While color vision may not be as fully developed as that of adults, they can often recognize and respond to different colors even as newborns. Their limited visual acuity and ability to see colors improve as they grow.
Can You Tell a Baby's Intelligence by the Size of Their Eyes?
No. This is one of the most irrational myths about baby eyes. From a medical perspective, there is no correlation between eye size and intelligence. And it's also not possible to determine a newborn's intelligence from their other physical features.
Can Babies See in The Dark?
Yes. While it is true that babies don't have as good night vision as adults, they are able to see in low light. Mostly because they have more rods (light-sensitive cells in the retina) than cones (cells that detect color) in their eyes, which helps them see better in dim light.
Finding Reliable Information Sources on Baby Eyes Health
A crucial thing to remember is to rely on accurate information from trusted sources when it comes to baby eyes care. Failure to separate myths from facts could lead to eye health problems with your baby. Thus, seek out reputable and trusted sources. That is the way to ensure you are getting accurate and up-to-date information.
Here are some tips on finding reliable information sources on baby eyes health:
1. Pediatric Ophthalmology Associations
Websites of reputable pediatric ophthalmology associations are excellent sources of reliable information. These organizations provide evidence-based guidelines, resources, and educational materials for parents and caregivers.
2. Government Health Agencies
Websites of government health agencies often share resources on various aspects of baby health, including eye health. They provide guidelines, fact sheets, and materials that are regularly updated and based on scientific research.
3. Academic Institutions and Research Centers
Reputable academic institutions, hospitals, and research centers that focus on pediatric eye health are also reliable sources. These institutions often conduct cutting-edge research. They also provide valuable insights into various eye conditions, treatments, and preventive measures for babies and children.
4. Trusted Medical Websites
Medical websites by eyecare professionals provide useful insights on baby eye health. Trustworthy websites like Ophthalmology24 always share medical research and cross-check information to confirm their health statements.
Side note:
Avoid looking up information on websites that do not specialize in the healthcare field. These days, many blogs try to stay relevant by posting on many topics, including baby health. Their authors often do not have any medical background or training, nor is their content relevant and medically correct.
Remember to always critically evaluate the information you find. Look for evidence-based sources. Always consult a medical professional or pediatric ophthalmologist for any concerns or questions about your baby's eyes.
We hope this resource on busting myths about baby eyes was helpful to you. Learn more about your and your child's eye health in our ophthalmology blog.
All medical facts are checked by Atanas Bogoev M.D.