Parents often feel concerned when their newborn’s eyes roll back, as this can be unsettling. However, this eye movement is frequently a normal part of development and typically does not indicate a serious issue.
Understanding Normal Newborn Eye Movements
It is common for a baby’s eyes to roll back, especially when falling asleep, during light sleep, or transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. This can look like a slow upward gaze, or their eyes may move independently or appear unfocused. These movements are part of a developing visual system and are not a cause for alarm.
During these periods of drowsiness or light sleep, you might also notice other movements, such as stretching, yawning, or slight jerking of their arms and legs. Their eyes may also appear crossed or wander to the sides, which is also considered normal in the first few months of life. This lack of coordination is temporary as their eye muscles and visual system continue to mature. As babies grow, their eye movements become more steady and predictable.
The Science Behind Eye Rolling
A newborn’s eyes roll back due to the immaturity of their visual and neurological systems. Their ability to focus and coordinate eye muscles is not yet fully refined. Eyes may not always work together seamlessly in the first couple of months as eye muscles gain strength and coordination for precise movements.
A significant factor contributing to eye rolling is the large amount of time newborns spend in Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This active sleep stage is characterized by increased brain activity and rapid eye movements beneath closed eyelids. During REM sleep, a baby’s brain is highly active, playing a role in central nervous system development, memory formation, and cognitive development. These eye movements are a characteristic feature of this sleep stage and are normal.
The brain is still developing its ability to coordinate eye movements and process visual information. Newborns can see light, dark, and large shapes, but their vision is blurry compared to an adult’s. This less-than-sharp vision, combined with developing muscle control, contributes to uncoordinated eye movements, including eye rolling. As the brain matures, it gains better control over these muscles, leading to more coordinated eye movements.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While eye rolling is often a normal part of newborn development, there are specific signs that warrant a consultation with a pediatrician. If eye rolling occurs while the baby is wide awake, alert, and not drowsy or transitioning to sleep, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Concerns also arise if the eye rolling is constant, repetitive, or if the eyes appear “stuck” in one position.
Seek medical advice if eye rolling is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These may include jerking movements, limb stiffness, shaking not typical of a startle reflex, or unresponsiveness. Other red flags include irregular breathing, increased irritability, prolonged crying, or changes in skin color. If you observe any of these symptoms, or have concerns, seek professional medical advice.