As both an optometrist of 12 years and a mum of two, this is one of the most common questions I hear from new parents.
"I wear glasses... does that mean my baby will too?"
Firstly, take a deep breath. The answer isn't always yes.
Having a parent who wears glasses can increase the likelihood of your child needing glasses in the future, but it certainly doesn't guarantee it. Many children with parents who wear glasses have perfectly healthy vision, and equally, some children who need glasses have no family history at all.
As a mum, I completely understand the worry. We spend so much time wondering if our little ones are developing as they should, and vision is one of those things that's difficult to assess because babies can't tell us what they can (or can't) see.
I See This Every Week
As an optometrist, I regularly meet parents who bring their babies and young children to see me because they're worried about their vision.
Most of the time, those appointments provide reassurance.
Sometimes, they help us identify a problem early enough that we can make a real difference.
That's why I always tell parents: if you're worried, trust your instincts and have your child's eyes checked.
Signs That May Be Worth Getting Checked
Every baby develops differently, but it may be worth booking an eye examination if you notice:
- One eye constantly turning in or out after around 3 months of age.
- Your baby doesn't seem to make eye contact or follow faces by around 2–3 months.
- They struggle to follow toys or moving objects.
- Excessive rubbing of their eyes when they're not tired.
- Frequent watering without signs of illness.
- A white glow or unusual reflection in photographs instead of the normal red-eye reflex.
- A strong family history of childhood eye conditions or a lazy eye (amblyopia).
These signs don't automatically mean something is wrong, but they are worth discussing with an optometrist or your GP.
What Is Normal?
Newborn vision is still developing.
It's completely normal for babies to:
- Cross their eyes occasionally during the first few months.
- Prefer looking at faces.
- See best at around 20–30 cm away (roughly the distance to your face during a cuddle or feed).
- Gradually begin tracking objects and recognising colours over the first few months.
Vision develops rapidly during the first year, which is why giving babies plenty of opportunities to look at faces, high-contrast patterns, books and different environments can be so beneficial.
Can Babies Have Eye Tests?
Yes!
Many parents are surprised to learn that babies can have an eye examination even before they can speak.
Optometrists use specialised techniques to assess eye health, focusing, eye movements and how the eyes work together without needing your child to read letters.
If there's any concern, it's always better to check than to wait. If something doesn't feel right, have their eyes examined. Early detection is one of the best gifts we can give our children.
At Little Eyes Sensory, everything we create is designed to support your baby's visual development through play, connection and everyday moments because healthy vision isn't just about seeing clearly; it's about giving little eyes the best possible start.
You've got this, and your little eyes are doing an incredible job of learning about the world every single day.
Thank you for supporting our small business, it truly means the world to us.
With love,
Harita