grey areas

[MumCH]

My 7 week old baby has 'grey areas' on each side of the white part of her eyes.  These areas are visible when she turns her eyes to either side, not when she looks straight ahead.  When they are visible, they seem to be separated from the 'normal white colour' by a straight line.  I'm extremely worried and have made an appointment for her, however I need some reassurance in the meantime - I'm hoping you'll tell me that it's normal?  

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS]

In the newborn and very young children the white of the eye (sclera) is thinner than the adult or older child. Under the sclera is a dark layer filled with veins (choroid). In almost all instances the problem you describe is seeing that dark layer through the thin sclera. As the child gets older and the white part thicker the blue goes away.  

There is a rare problem called blue sclera. I would have your pediatrician look at the eye and see if it unusual enough in appearaance to warrant seeing an ophthalmologist.

The odds are in your favor that this is not serious and due to the first think I described.  interestingly the same thing happens in the very old adult and then its called a sclera plaque.

JCH III MD Eye Physician and Surgeon

[MumCH]

Thank you so very much for your prompt reply and reassurance.  I will follow your advice and keep my appointment with her doctor, but I feel better knowing that everything could be normal.  Thank you again.