Q: My baby is 6 weeks old, and sometimes her eyes cross. I'm worried that she can't see. Should I be worried?
A: By the time babies are 3 months of age, they should be focusing on objects and tracking with their eyes as an object, like a toy or ball, moves across their field of vision. If a baby of this age can't make steady eye contact or seems unable to see, he or she should be evaluated by a pedia-trician. Before 4 months, babies' eyes may sometimes look misa-ligned, and that can be normal as their vision is developing. However, after 4 months of age, inward crossing or outward drifting that occurs regularly is usually abnormal and should be brought to the attention of a pediatrician.
-- Dr. Tonia Cox, Pediatric Diagnostic Associates; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society
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