Medical myths unmasked: the size of our eyes

When you’re a baby, everything about you is small. Your hands, your feet, your head, everything but your eyes. Your eyes, we’re told, are the same size as they will be when you’re an adult. But is that true?

The growth of baby eyes

Contrary to popular belief, a baby’s eyes are not the same size as an adult’s. In fact, they are only about two-thirds the size of an adult’s eye. The average length of a newborn baby’s eye is about 16.5 millimeters, while an adult’s is about 24 millimeters.

Eyes grow quite a bit during the first two years of a baby’s life, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They then continue to grow gradually through the end of adolescence.

So, why do they look so large? A baby’s eyes are disproportionately large compared to the rest of the head. However, as the head continues to grow, the proportions will get closer to those of the average adult.

Make sure to have the health of your baby’s growing eyes checked regularly. A pediatric eye doctor will examine them and help ensure that, no matter what their size, your baby’s eyes are healthy and strong.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To schedule an appointment with any of CEENTA’s pediatric eye doctors, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.