Some of the most common eye ailments that can strike a newborn are as follows:
1. Blocked tear duct - Tear ducts are tiny tubes that run from the inner corner of the eye downwards towards the nose. Their main function is to collect tears constantly being produced by the eyes to keep them clean and moist, and drain this fluid in the nasal cavity. Sometimes in a newborn, there is a blockage at the bottom of the duct due to which the fluid is unable to pass down, causing germs to grow in the moist inner corner of the eye. An eye with a blocked tear duct appears to be oozing white discharge, which could cause the eye-lids to stick together and could even cause the eye to become slightly red. Massaging the area of the duct also helps a great deal and could actually help in opening the blockage. If the problem persists and seems to be getting worst, consult your baby’s pediatrician.

2. Strabismus -Sometimes, a newborn’s eyes might appear to be misaligned or having a squint. There are many reasons for the eyes to appear crossed or squinty, the most common being that eyes are not yet able to work together as a team. Usually this condition corrects itself by the third or the fourth month when the muscles become stronger and the baby is able to focus both eyes together. However, if the eyes continue to look crossed or squinty even after four months or if your child develops this condition later, you need to get his eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.

3. Plosis - If you notice that one eye in your newborn appears to be much smaller than the other, do consult your pediatrician to rule out ptosis. Plosis is a condition, although not very common, in which the muscles that raise the upper eyelid fail to develop properly and cause it to droop covering half the eye. It is curable through surgery.

4. Cataracts - Cataracts in newborns are rare but do happen. Normally your baby’s eyes should appear crystal clear. However, if there is noticeable cloudiness or if the pupils appear white, consult your pediatrician.

The starting couple of years of your baby’s life are very crucial when it comes to the development of healthy vision. Though lot of eye problems and complications can not only be avoided or minimized, but can also be cured completely, if the symptoms are diagnosed early. Look for the symptoms and if you feel any of these, do visit an ophthalmologist to clear all doubts -

1. If by three months, your baby is unable to establish a steady eye contact with you.

2. If your baby’s eyes do not move together or appear crossed or squinty even after he is four months old.

3. If you’re three month old or older baby is unable to track an object that is moved slowly in front of his eyes.

4. His pupils appear to be of unequal size.

5. Your baby draws the object closer to his eyes in order to see.

6. If he turns his head to a side or positions it in a particular angle orders to see.

7. Your baby tends to rub his eyes frequently.

8. If your child has persistent redness in one or both eyes.