A child's vision is a constantly evolving universe. From birth, the visual system develops at an impressive rate, progressing from blurry shapes to a world rich in colour, detail, and depth. But when does vision become truly “fully developed”?
The first few months: a blurry world that becomes clearer
At birth, babies can see... but very blurrily. Their visual acuity is about 20 to 30 times less than that of an adult. They perceive contrasts and simple shapes and can distinguish faces up close.
What develops most:
- Perception of brightness
- Contrasts
- The beginnings of visual tracking
Between 2 and 4 months, colours become clearer, especially red and green, and babies begin to track objects with greater precision.
Around 6 months: a major turning point
Around 6 months, several abilities synchronize:
- Depth perception improves (3D vision).
- Babies become better at grasping objects, demonstrating improved hand-eye coordination.
- Both eyes begin to work together more effectively, which is essential for good long-term vision.
Between 1 and 3 years: refinement and precision
Vision becomes increasingly precise. Children recognize shapes, colours, and faces and develop visual skills that are essential for learning:
- Better perception of details
- Beginning to read images
- Visual coordination in play, drawing, and movement
Even though vision is already functional, it is far from reaching its full potential.
At 5-6 years old: vision approaches maturity
By the time children start school, their visual acuity is very close to that of an adult. Children recognize letters, distinguish small details on the blackboard, and can switch between distances effortlessly.
This is also a crucial period for detecting:
- Myopia
- Hyperopia
- Astigmatism
- Strabismus
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
An annual evaluation is particularly recommended.
Full development: around 7 to 8 years old
Vision generally reaches maturity around 7 or 8 years of age. At this age, most visual functions are stabilized:
- Visual acuity comparable to that of an adult
- Well-developed binocular vision
- Fine perception of contrasts and colours
- Optimal eye-hand coordination
It is also at this age that the risk of amblyopia still persists: after age 8, correcting a lazy eye becomes much more difficult. This is why early screening is so important.
Why are regular exams essential?
Vision develops gradually, and every stage counts. Some visual disorders show no obvious symptoms, especially in young children. Early screening allows you to:
- Avoid vision-related delays in school
- Correct imbalances between the eyes
- Support overall development (motor skills, language, learning.
Optometrists generally recommend:
- A first exam around 12 months
- Another around age 3
- Then every year from school age onwards
Vision is not fully developed at birth: it is a process that takes nearly 8 years. Through regular monitoring and early intervention, we ensure that every child has the best chance for healthy visual development, an essential foundation for exploring, learning, and understanding the world.
