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Visualizing Visual Adaptation
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Development of visual sensitivity to light and color vision in human infants: a critical review

A M Brown1

  • 1Schnurmacher Institute for Vision Research, State College of Optometry, State University of New York, NY 10010.

Vision Research
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Infant visual development shows higher test thresholds and developing color vision in the first six months. Contrast insensitivity significantly impacts infant color perception, with maturation occurring within three months.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Visual Neuroscience

Background:

  • Infant visual capabilities, including test thresholds and color vision, are crucial for development.
  • Existing literature presents varying findings on infant visual perception compared to adults.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review current literature on test thresholds and color vision in human infants.
  • To elucidate the developmental trajectory of infant color vision and its underlying mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of studies on infant visual perception.
  • Analysis of spectral luminous efficiency functions and contrast sensitivity in infants.

Main Results:

  • Infants exhibit higher test thresholds than adults, approaching adult values within six months.
  • Infant spectral luminous efficiency aligns with V(lambda) at high luminance and V'(lambda) at low luminance and shorter wavelengths.
  • Significant improvement in color vision occurs within the first three postnatal months, with most 3-month-olds possessing some color vision.

Conclusions:

  • Infant color vision immaturity is largely explained by overall contrast insensitivity.
  • The primary immaturity affecting infant vision is likely post-adaptation, though lower-level factors may contribute.

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