Newborn Eye Movements: Facts and Information 2026

Babies move their eyes to follow objects such as toys and people around them. This is a normal part of visual development in infants. However, what looks like “unusual” eye movements in newborns may in some cases develop later due to other causes, such as trauma or cataracts. Abnormal eye movements usually appear between 6 weeks and 6 months of age.

You are welcome to visit the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which offers advanced technology and comprehensive eye care services in all ophthalmology subspecialties, with highly experienced doctors and reasonable prices. There are two main categories of infantile eye movements: congenital (present at birth or appearing within the first 6 months of life) and acquired (appearing at 6 months of age or later). Each type may have different underlying causes and therefore requires a different approach to management—especially if you find yourself thinking, “My baby rolls their eyes upward,” or you notice episodes of eye fluttering in your infant.

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3– Congenital Motor Nystagmus

Babies with this condition usually have one of two main patterns of abnormal eye movement. In the first pattern, the eyes move quickly in one direction followed by a slow movement in the opposite direction. In the second, the eyes move back and forth at a similar speed in both directions. 

There are two main types of congenital eye movement disorders: congenital sensory nystagmus and congenital motor nystagmus. There is also one main category of acquired infantile nystagmus, although it can arise from several different causes.

2– Congenital Sensory Nystagmus

This occurs when a child has abnormal vision because something interferes with the visual information reaching the brain. This is called an afferent sensory defect because it involves incoming sensory signals on their way to the brain. Causes include congenital cataracts, retinal disorders, optic nerve abnormalities, and severe refractive errors. It typically appears between 2 and 3 months of age and usually persists throughout life.

3– Congenital Motor Nystagmus

This type is more common than the sensory type. In congenital motor nystagmus, the child’s visual acuity may be normal, but the brain lacks stable control or fine motor coordination of eye movements. If a baby shows generalized signs or unusual eye movements in the first few months of life, a medical evaluation is necessary to determine the cause.

4– Acquired Eye Movements

Acquired nystagmus develops in infants several months after birth. It can result from a number of causes, ranging from eye and head trauma to brain abnormalities and even reactions to certain medications. The only way to identify the underlying cause is through medical evaluation, which may include blood tests and neuroimaging such as MRI.

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Symptoms of Abnormal Eye Movements in Newborns

The main sign that may indicate abnormal eye movements in a newborn is jerky or uncontrolled eye motion. The frequency and intensity of these movements vary from one child to another, and they usually disappear when the infant is asleep. 

In addition to continuous eye movement or eye “twitching,” some of the key symptoms of abnormal newborn eye movements can include:

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Causes of Abnormal Eye Movements in Newborns

Congenital nystagmus often appears intermittently in infants, and many affected children have other family members with the same condition. Some studies have linked these eye movements to hereditary factors. The most notable conditions that may be associated with abnormal eye movements in newborns include:

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Diagnosis of Abnormal Eye Movements in Newborns

Although many cases of abnormal newborn eye movements are congenital, they are not always diagnosed at birth. Depending on the severity of symptoms and the age at which they first appear, the ophthalmologist may recommend diagnostic testing after performing a thorough eye examination. This may include a complete eye exam and, when indicated, brain imaging such as MRI.

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Treatment of Abnormal Eye Movements in Newborns

Treatment depends on the specific type of abnormal eye movement diagnosed. If the condition is related to a refractive error, corrective lenses (glasses or sometimes contact lenses in selected cases) can be prescribed for the infant. Vision therapy may also be beneficial in some situations.

If the abnormal eye movements are caused by a serious underlying condition, treatment is directed primarily at that condition and will differ accordingly. Surgical treatment may be considered when the child adopts a significant abnormal head posture to see more clearly, or in other severe cases where nystagmus significantly interferes with daily function.

In all cases, it is best to visit the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialized Complex in Jeddah and consult an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment options for your child. Infants should have their first comprehensive eye examination at 6 months of age, but if abnormal eye movements are noticed, an earlier evaluation may be necessary.

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Book an appointment at the Eye Clinic of Al Batal Specialized Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.