Visual development in children
When they are awake, newborn babies have their eyes wide open to the world. Shapes, movements, colours, and forms allow them to become aware of their environment. Seeing and being seen is the way they make contact with their loved ones. Curious about everything, their eyes develop gradually in the first few years of life...
Eye colour: a question of patience?
During intrauterine life, the foetus does not really have the opportunity to stimulate its vision. At birth, the first layer of the iris of a newborn baby does not contain melanin. It is transparent, revealing the deep layer of the iris and giving the eyes a blue-grey tint. Patience is needed (until 9 months) to discover the definitive colour of your child’s eyes. As early as 3 months, lipofuscin and melanin start to slightly colour the iris... and give you some clues!
A child’s vision, today and tomorrow
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From the first weeks of life until 12 months of age, a baby’s eye is still being formed, and their vision develops gradually.
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From 0 to 3 months: a baby can only see at a very short distance and their eyes are not yet coordinated. To perceive colours, they will have to wait until they are 2 months old.
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From 5 to 12 months: children finally start to see in 3 dimensions.
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12 months and over: by the time a child celebrates their first birthday, their vision is comparable to that of an adult. It will take until the age of 6 or 7 years for it to reach its full potential.
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After 6/7 years: the child’s visual acuity is definitive. The construction of the eye is based on the messages that the retina sends to the brain. In the event of a defect, the brain registers the wrong visual cues.
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After 6 or 7 years, it is no longer possible to correct these errors naturally. Early detection is therefore essential.
Our tips to ensure proper eye development
Since it boosts the production of dopamine, outdoor light is essential to ensure proper eye development. Playing outside as often as possible helps prevent myopia. Children must alternate their vision and regularly look away. They should therefore avoid excessive use of screens and other activities that block their vision.
Be sure to protect your children’s eyes from UV rays by having them wear a nice pair of high-quality sunglasses.
Apart from that, remember to keep your eyes open!
