Children's vision

Vision development in children

The age ranges described below are those equivalent to a full-term baby, and must be adjusted in the event of premature birth.

At birth:

A newborn's vision is blurred, with visibility only in black and white.

Visual acuity is poor.

The pupillary reflex is already developed with appropriate sensitivity to strong light.

From 0 to 3 months:

The newborn can fixate an object and follow it.

Between the 10th and 16th week, binocular vision (i.e. the use of two eyes in a coordinated manner) appears. During the first 2 months, it is usual for the baby to have an irregular squint and for the eyes to be averted.

Around 2 months, the baby recognises its parents' faces and distinguishes details, and it is at this time that the baby begins to take an interest in its environment.  

From 4 to 6 months:

They can now see all colours.

Around 5 months, they begin to develop 3D vision.

They can distinguish nuances and are able to carefully examine an object in their hands.

Around 6 months, they start to perceive distances.

From 7 to 12 months:

3D perception continues to develop.

At around 8 months, their eyes are almost their final colour.

Around 12 months, children use their constantly improving vision to navigate and walk around objects.

From 18 months to 6 years:

At around 18 months, children learn to coordinate visual and motor information.

Around the age of 2, they can recognise themselves in a mirror.

By the age of 5, they have almost reached full visual capacity and acuity.

Signs to look out for

Visual delay can have a major impact on a child's development, and it is important to observe and detect it early so that it can be treated as quickly as possible.

Consult a healthcare professional if you think your newborn or child is showing one or more of the following signs:

• Whitish spots on the pupil.
• Failure to follow moving objects with the eyes.
• Frequent blinking.
• Even after 6 months, he or she is still squinting.
• He often bumps into things.
• He regularly complains of headaches.
• His eyes water profusely.

Translated from :  Naître et grandir

Eye examination

The screening tests recommended by ANAES (Agence Nationale d'Accréditation et d'Evaluation en Santé) for eye disorders in children under 6 are as follows:

On the 8th day:

• Interview parents to identify potential risk factors.
• External examination of the eye (eyelid, symmetry of the eyeballs, light reflection)
• Investigation into the visual reaction usually present at birth.

4th month:

• General examination

At 9 months:

• Interview parents to identify potential risk factors.
• External examination of the eye (eyelid, symmetry of the eyeballs, light reflection)
• Investigation of initial visual reactions
• Investigation for potential amblyopia
• Screening for strabismus
• Lang test (to test relief vision)

At vocal age :

• External examination of the eye (eyelid, symmetry of the eyeballs, light reflection)
• Measurement of visual acuity (letter or number scales)
• Language test
• Annual school visits
• Regular visits to the ophthalmologist.
   

Eye diseases in children

Certain eye disorders can be common in children and require prompt attention so that there is no effect on the child's overall development. Some of these disorders include:

• Astigmatism
• Daltonism
• Hyperopia
• Myopia

Certain eye diseases can be present from childhood and should be detected:

• Amblyopia
• Glaucoma
• congenital 
• Retinoblastoma
• Strabismus