{"id":6704,"date":"2026-07-29T11:01:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T09:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=188393"},"modified":"2026-07-29T11:01:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T09:01:19","slug":"when-should-babies-have-their-first-eye-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/when-should-babies-have-their-first-eye-exam\/","title":{"rendered":"When Should Babies Have Their First Eye Exam?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Affinity Health<\/a>, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is highlighting the importance of early eye health awareness, encouraging parents to understand when their baby\u2019s vision should be checked and what warning signs to look out for.<\/p>\n

A baby\u2019s eyesight develops quickly during the first year<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s long-term visual development.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>When Should a Baby\u2019s Eyes Be Checked?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

A baby\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Eye health<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>How Does Vision Develop During the First Year?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

A baby\u2019s 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\u2019s face during feeding or cuddling.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/span>Signs Parents Should Not Ignore<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

Parents know their babies best, and if something about their child\u2019s eyes seems unusual, it is always worth getting it checked. While many eye problems are uncommon, spotting them early can make a big difference.<\/p>\n

Some signs that may require medical attention include:<\/strong><\/p>\n