As a new parent, you may be wondering how long it takes for your baby’s eyesight to develop fully. After all, your child’s vision is an essential aspect of their growth and development. The good news is that your baby’s eyesight will continue to develop throughout their first year of life. In this article, we’ll explore the different stages of your baby’s eyesight development and what you can expect.
Table of Contents
Birth to 3 months
At birth, your baby’s eyesight is not fully developed. They can only see objects that are 8 to 10 inches away, which is about the distance from their face to yours during feeding. During the first few weeks, your baby’s eyes will move independently of each other, and they may appear cross-eyed or wall-eyed. This is normal and should resolve on its own within a few months.
Around 2 months old, your baby’s eyes will start to work together, and they will become better at tracking objects with their eyes. They will also start to develop color vision, but they will still prefer high-contrast black and white images.
4 to 6 months
Between 4 and 6 months old, your baby’s eyesight will continue to improve. They will become more adept at tracking moving objects and will be able to reach for and grab objects accurately. They will also start to develop depth perception and will be able to judge distances more accurately.
At this age, your baby will also start to show a preference for certain colors, and they may even be able to recognize familiar faces from a distance.
7 to 12 months
By 7 months old, your baby’s eyesight will be close to that of an adult’s, although their visual acuity (sharpness of vision) will still be developing. They will be able to see smaller objects and distinguish more subtle differences in colors and shades.
Between 9 and 12 months old, your baby will become more interested in exploring their environment visually. They will start to look at things from different angles and may even try to climb and crawl to get a better view.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take my baby for an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association recommends that babies have their first eye exam at 6 months old. However, if you notice any issues with your baby’s eyesight, such as crossed eyes or excessive tearing, you should take them to an eye doctor as soon as possible.
How can I help my baby’s eyesight develop?
You can help your baby’s eyesight develop by providing them with plenty of visual stimulation. Hang black and white images or brightly colored mobiles above their crib, and provide them with age-appropriate toys and books with high-contrast images. You should also make sure that your baby is getting enough tummy time, as this helps them develop the muscles needed for crawling and exploring their environment.
What should I do if I notice my baby’s eyes aren’t developing normally?
If you notice any issues with your baby’s eyesight, such as crossed eyes or excessive tearing, you should take them to an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to preventing vision problems later in life.
Can premature birth affect my baby’s eyesight?
Premature birth can increase the risk of vision problems in babies. If your baby was born prematurely, they should receive a comprehensive eye exam by an eye doctor who specializes in children’s eye care.
What are some signs that my baby may have a vision problem?
Some signs that your baby may have a vision problem include excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, crossed eyes, or an inability to track objects with their eyes. If you notice any of these issues, you should take your baby to an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Your baby’s eyesight will continue to develop throughout their first year of life. By the time they reach 12 months old, their eyesight will be close to that of an adult’s, although their visual acuity will still be developing. If you notice any issues with your baby’s eyesight, such as crossed eyes or excessive tearing, you should take them to an eye doctor as soon as possible. Early intervention is key to preventing vision problems later in life.
Related video of How Long Does It Take For Baby’s Eyesight To Develop: A Comprehensive Guide
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9aYJREtZKLE