[Development of sight]

It is possible to measure the visual acuity in infants born eight weeks before term and later. It is correct when parents say that infants look at them and know them when they are only a few weeks of age. At birth, vision is only approximately 1/60, but in the course of the first three months, vision increases to 6/60 or 6/36. Simultaneously, the retina, optic nerve and central nervous system develop so that the picture which the infant registers on the retina may be interpreted. At the age of 3-4 months, binocular vision, accommodation and appreciation of depth commence. Eye movements develop at the same time. At first, these are jerky and inaccurate but, at the age of six months, movements are smooth. By this time, the child can maintain fixation and can adjust the eyes to new fields without error. The child's visual interest matures simultaneously. The best possible visual acuity and complete maturation of the visual cortex of the brain are achieved just before puberty. The development of sight during the first months is of critical significance for visual function during the remainder of life.