Babies sometimes squint their eyes because the muscles in each eye don't yet work together in a balanced way.
Often, newborn babies may display a squint from time to time. This is not usually a cause for concern and generally resolves itself as the baby develops better muscle control, usually around 6 months of age. Squints can also appear later in childhood as well.
Understanding Baby Squinting
Here's a breakdown of why a baby might squint:
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Muscle Imbalance: The eye muscles are still developing in newborns, and it's common for them not to work perfectly together. This imbalance can cause one or both eyes to turn inward or outward, leading to a temporary squint.
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Developing Coordination: As babies grow, their eye muscles become stronger and more coordinated, leading to better control and alignment.
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Not Always a Problem: Most cases of squinting in young babies are temporary and are resolved as they get older. However, any persistent or significant squint, especially if it appears after six months, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
When to Be Concerned
While most squinting in babies is normal and temporary, there are a few situations where it's essential to consult a doctor:
- Persistent Squint: If the squint is present constantly or appears after six months of age.
- Eye Turns Inward or Outward: If one or both eyes noticeably turn inwards (crossed eyes) or outwards (wall-eyed).
- Associated Symptoms: If squinting is associated with other symptoms like excessive tearing or light sensitivity.
- Family History: If there's a family history of strabismus (misaligned eyes).
Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Cause | Imbalance in eye muscle coordination due to development. |
| Timeline | Usually resolves by around 6 months of age as muscles gain better control. |
| Concern | Persistent squint, squint after 6 months, noticeable eye turn, or other symptoms should be checked by a doctor. |
