When Should Babies Have Their First Eye Exam?

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is highlighting the importance of early eye health awareness, encouraging parents to understand when their baby’s vision should be checked and what warning signs to look out for.

A baby’s eyesight develops quickly during the first year of life. As they grow, babies learn to focus, follow movement, recognise familiar faces, and use their vision to explore the world around them. Because they cannot tell parents when something is wrong, regular eye checks and awareness of warning signs are important.

While most babies develop healthy vision, some eye conditions can be present from birth or develop during infancy. Identifying these problems early can help prevent them from affecting a child’s long-term visual development.

When Should a Baby’s Eyes Be Checked?

A baby’s eyes are usually checked soon after birth as part of their routine newborn examination. During this check, healthcare professionals look for signs that the eyes are healthy and developing as expected.

Eye health is monitored during regular baby and childhood healthcare visits. These routine checks can help identify potential problems early, often before parents notice that anything may be wrong.

Some babies may need additional eye assessments; for example, babies with a family history of eye conditions, those showing unusual symptoms, or those with certain medical or developmental concerns. In these cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a more detailed eye examination.

How Does Vision Develop During the First Year?

A baby’s vision changes rapidly during the first year of life. In the early weeks, babies can see objects and faces that are close to them, which is why they often focus on a parent’s face during feeding or cuddling.

By around two to three months of age, most babies begin making better eye contact and following moving objects with their eyes. As they grow, their eyesight becomes clearer and they become more aware of the people and things around them.

By six months, babies are usually much better at using their eyes in unison, judging distances, and reaching for toys or objects. Good vision helps support important milestones, from hand-eye coordination and movement to learning, social interaction, and exploring the world around them.

Signs Parents Should Not Ignore

Parents know their babies best, and if something about their child’s eyes seems unusual, it is always worth getting it checked. While many eye problems are uncommon, spotting them early can make a big difference.

Some signs that may require medical attention include:

• Eyes that regularly drift in different directions.
• Eye crossing that continues after four months of age.
• A white, grey, or cloudy-looking pupil.
• One eye that looks noticeably different to the other.
• Constant watering or discharge from the eyes.
• Red, swollen, or irritated eyes.
• Being unusually sensitive to light.
• Eyes that appear to shake or move unexpectedly.
• Struggling to follow faces, toys, or moving objects.
• Frequently closing or covering one eye.
• A family history of serious eye conditions.

While it is normal for very young babies to occasionally appear cross-eyed, this usually improves as their eye muscles develop. If the eyes continue to drift or do not seem to work together properly as your baby grows, it is a good idea to have them checked by a healthcare professional.

Premature Babies May Need Earlier Screening

Some babies require additional eye monitoring. Premature babies, particularly those born very early or with a low birth weight, may be at increased risk of certain eye conditions, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

These babies are usually screened according to medical guidelines and may require follow-up examinations after leaving the hospital.

Babies with certain genetic conditions, neurological concerns, developmental delays, or a family history of childhood eye disorders may also need more regular eye assessments.

What Happens During a Baby’s Eye Exam?

Many parents worry that an eye exam may be stressful for their baby, but the process is usually simple and gentle.

Eye care professionals use lights, lenses, pictures, toys, and movement to assess how a baby’s eyes are functioning. They may check whether the baby can follow objects, respond to light, focus appropriately, and use both eyes together.

The examination may also include checking the eyelids, pupils, eye alignment, and overall eye health. In some cases, eye drops may be used to allow a clearer view of the structures inside the eye.

The exam is painless, although babies may become restless if they are tired or hungry. Scheduling appointments when babies are normally awake and settled can often make the experience easier.

Supporting Healthy Vision at Home

There are simple things parents can do every day to support their baby’s visual development. Spending time face to face with your baby, talking to them, showing them colourful toys, and encouraging tummy time all help them learn to use their eyes and develop important visual skills.

It is also important to protect children’s eyes from injury, seek treatment for eye infections when needed, and avoid exposing them to cigarette smoke, which can affect overall health.

The Bottom Line

A baby’s eyes are checked shortly after birth and during routine healthcare visits, but parents should always trust their instincts if something does not seem right. Knowing the warning signs and seeking advice early can make a real difference if a vision problem is present, helping to protect a child’s eyesight and support healthy development. Affinity Health’s Day-to-Day cover includes access to optometry benefits through Spec-Savers outlets, helping members to access professional eye care and vision assessments when needed.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our members peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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Gretchen Wilson Prangley: Gretchen Wilson Prangley is a South African journalist who has worked for The Star and The Sunday
Times. She is known for her reporting on social issues.