Why Your Baby’s Eyes Aren’t Following Objects: Causes and When to Worry
When a baby’s eyes don’t seem to follow objects, it can be concerning for parents. While this behavior can be normal at certain ages, it can also signal an underlying vision issue that needs attention. At Pediatric Eye Specialists, our experienced pediatric ophthalmologists are skilled at identifying and treating even the most complex vision challenges in children. With five convenient North Texas locations, we provide advanced, compassionate care close to home. In this article, we’ll explain the possible causes, when it’s a normal part of development, and when it’s time to seek help. Schedule an appointment with Pediatric Eye Specialists today to have your baby’s eyes evaluated by our expert team.
Understanding Infant Visual Development
Infant visual development follows a predictable pattern, and understanding these stages helps parents know when to seek guidance. From birth to about 2 months, a baby’s eyes may wander or appear crossed, and this is usually a normal part of growth. They can focus on objects 8–10 inches away—about the distance to a parent’s face—while their extraocular muscles are still learning to work together. By 2–3 months, most babies start visual tracking, following faces and objects, and building early eye–hand coordination. By four months, both eyes should move smoothly together, depth perception begins to emerge, and the visual system becomes better at processing color, light, and movement. If tracking or eye alignment isn’t improving by this point, the specialists at Pediatric Eye Specialists can help determine whether your child’s vision is developing as expected.
What Causes Poor Eye Tracking in Babies?
Poor tracking can happen for a variety of reasons, and some may need prompt attention from a pediatric eye care expert. Strabismus occurs when the eyes do not move together, which can lead to amblyopia if untreated. Conditions like congenital cataract can cloud the pupil and block visual perception, while neurological causes—such as brain injury, preterm birth, or developmental disorders—can disrupt how the visual system processes images. Other causes include infection, issues with the extraocular muscles, or problems with the nasolacrimal duct that cause excessive tearing. Sometimes, medical factors related to pregnancy, childbirth, or overall child development contribute. The Pediatric Eye Specialists team has extensive training in ophthalmology and optometry to identify the cause and create a personalized care plan to protect your child’s vision health.
What Milestones Indicate Healthy Tracking?
Certain milestones show that a baby’s vision, perception, and attention are developing normally.
- Birth to 2 months – Eyes may wander; brief fixation on a caregiver’s face or a high-contrast toy is expected, including while resting in an Infant bed.
- 2 to 3 months – Babies begin to follow a moving physical object; they also start reaching for toys, building motor skill and eye–hand coordination.
- 4 months – Both eyes track smoothly across the field of vision, and depth perception begins to develop.
- 5 to 8 months – Color vision improves, and babies coordinate vision with muscle control to reach for a ball or small object.
- 9 to 12 months – Visual acuity sharpens, and babies judge distances more accurately, using these skills in everyday life activities like crawling and throwing.
- 12 to 24 months – Coordination and perception are well developed, and children confidently explore, recognize familiar objects, and interact with others.
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What Red Flags Should Parents Watch For?
Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of possible visual impairment allows parents to act before problems affect long-term vision. By three months, a child should be able to follow a moving object; if this isn’t happening, it’s time for an eye examination. Persistent crossing, drifting, or misalignment after four months may indicate strabismus. Other concerning signs include cloudy or white pupils, frequent wiggling eye movements, photophobia (light sensitivity), drooping of the eyelid, or loss of visual skills. If your child avoids looking at people, doesn’t reach for toys, or seems unaware of changes in color or movement, it’s worth having a specialist evaluate their vision. Parents should also watch for behaviors like covering one eye, tilting the head, or squinting, as these can point to myopia or other refractive errors that might later require glasses. Pediatric Eye Specialists is here to support you in taking the next step when something doesn’t feel right.
How Can I Tell if My Baby’s Vision Development is Delayed?
Delayed infant visual development often shows in missed milestones or changes in typical behavior. A lack of eye contact by two months, inability to track by three months, or poor depth perception after four months should prompt professional attention. Sometimes, delays are linked to broader child development challenges, executive functions, or learning issues. They may also follow a health concern such as infection, preterm birth, or a condition affecting the development of the human body. For parents seeking clear, reliable information, our pediatric ophthalmology team provides thorough assessments and straightforward guidance to keep your child’s vision on track.
When Should I Seek Professional Help for My Baby’s Vision?
Parents should seek help as soon as they notice something unusual about their baby’s vision. Early diagnosis gives the best chance for successful treatment—especially for conditions like amblyopia or strabismus that can affect visual acuity over time. A comprehensive eye examination by the Pediatric Eye Specialists team can confirm whether your baby’s visual system is developing as expected. Pediatric specialists emphasize the importance of acting quickly when key milestones are missed. You don’t have to wait for a routine checkup—trust your parenting instincts and seek help right away, as timely care can protect your child’s sight and support healthy growth.
Give Your Baby the Best Start for Healthy Vision
Your baby’s ability to see, track, and recognize the world is key to healthy child development and future success. If you have any concerns about your child’s eyes, it’s always better to check sooner rather than later. With five North Texas locations, Pediatric Eye Specialists offers expert evaluations and compassionate care close to home. Schedule a consultation today and let our team partner with you to protect your child’s vision and give them every opportunity to thrive.
Dr. Eric A. Packwood is a Partner at Pediatric Eye Specialists, President of the Child Vision Center, and the Administrative Director of Ophthalmology at Cook Children’s Medical Center. He graduated from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine, and completed his ophthalmology residency at St. Louis University as chief resident, followed by a fellowship at Washington University.
Since moving to Fort Worth in 2000, Dr. Packwood has been recognized as a “Super Doctor” by Texas Monthly, a “Best Doctor for Your Child” by D Magazine, and a “Top Doc” by Fort Worth, Texas magazine. He volunteers at the Alexander Eye Clinic and is involved in medical mission work for underprivileged children. Dr. Packwood has also published several peer-reviewed articles and participated in multiple clinical trials.