Newborn Unfocused Eyes

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Newborn Unfocused Eyes

Question:

My newborn baby's eyes seem to be rolling constantly. He is 1 week old. Is this a normal part of development or an indication of a problem?

Answer:

It's most likely normal. Newborn babies are still learning to focus. And their eyes are still learning to work together. It's common to notice that your baby doesn't seem to be looking at you when you talk to him, or that he goes cross-eyed, or that occasionally his eyes seem to wander or roll.

If your son's eyes are rolling constantly, I might be concerned about a visual or neurologic problem. I would be more concerned about a neurologic problem if he doesn't feed well, is very sleepy or very irritable, or has any unusual shaking or other movements.

So if your baby's eyes are not just rolling occasionally but all the time, give your doctor a call. If occasional eye rolling is still happening at your next scheduled visit, mention it to your doctor. He or she can check it out and be sure that it's normal.

Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

Last updated:	July 20, 2009