EYE CONDITIONS · BABIES

Does my baby have an eye turn? (Pseudo-squint)

Many babies look cross-eyed because of a wide, flat nasal bridge or skin folds at the inner corners of the eyes. The folds hide the white of the eye, but the eyes are actually straight. It is very common, and the look usually fades by age 2 to 3 as the face grows.

Dr Steven LamReviewed by Dr Steven Lam, optometrist and orthoptist
Last reviewed October 2026
A baby with a wide nasal bridge whose eyes look slightly turned in but are straight
A patient of ours. The eyes look turned, but they are straight. Shared with consent.
IN SHORT

Pseudo-squint means the eyes look turned but are straight. It comes from the shape of the face, not the eyes, and needs no treatment. A true turn can look the same, and true turns can still start up to school age, so it is worth having it checked once and keeping an eye on it as your child grows.

LOOKS TURNED, BUT THE EYES ARE STRAIGHTLight reflections sit in the same spot in both eyesSkin folds at the inner corners hide the white of the eye
KEY FACTS
What it isEyes that look turned because of the face shape, but are straight
Who gets itVery common in babies
What you might noticeEyes that look crossed, most of all when looking to the side or in photos
How it is managedNo treatment. A check to confirm the eyes are straight, often with a recheck in 6 to 12 months
When to bookIf you are unsure, or a turn seems to be getting more obvious
SIGNS

What parents notice

  • Eyes that look crossed, most of all when looking to the side
  • One eye seeming to disappear into the inner corner
  • It looks worse in photos
A clue from photosIn a flash photo, the small white reflection should sit in the same spot in each pupil. It is a clue, not a diagnosis.
A toddler in glasses playing in the clinic YOUTUBE · AUG 2025 0:42
A real turn, or does it just look like one?
HOW WE CHECK

At the appointment

Babies can be checked from the first months. We use toys, lights and patience, not letters.

  1. 1Light reflection test. Where the reflection of a light sits in each eye.
  2. 2Cover test. The most reliable way to tell a real turn from a look-alike.
  3. 3Prescription, sometimes with drops. To rule out long-sightedness, which can cause a real inward turn.
TREATMENT

No treatment, just a check

Once a true turn has been ruled out, nothing needs treating. We may suggest one recheck.

FIRST STEP

A proper check

Confirms the eyes are straight and rules out a prescription that could cause a real turn.

SOMETIMES

A recheck in 6 to 12 months

Commonly suggested, because a true turn can still start up to school age.

AT HOME

Keep an eye on it

If the turn looks more obvious over time, or you notice it in a new way, book again.

WHEN TO SEE US

Book a check, or get help today

Book an eye test if

  • You are not sure whether your child's eyes are straight
  • The turn seems to be getting more obvious
  • Your child is older than 3 months and an eye seems to turn

Get help the same day if

  • A white or unusual reflection in the pupil in photos. See us or your GP promptly, and bring the photos
  • A turn appears suddenly and stays

Call us on (03) 9404 5279, or see your GP.

GOOD TO KNOW

Questions parents ask

Will it go away?

The look usually fades by age 2 to 3 as the bridge of the nose develops.

Why check if it's probably nothing?

A true turn can look the same. A small number of children first thought to have a pseudo-squint are later found to have a real one, so a proper check is worth it.

How young can my baby be checked?

From the first months. No letters or answers needed.

Is a white pupil in photos part of this?

No. A white or unusual pupil reflection in photos needs checking promptly. Bring the photos.

When you're ready, we're here.

Choose a time online, or call and we'll help you find the right appointment.

Book an appointmentor call (03) 9404 5279