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Children’s Eye Development and Amblyopia

Visual Development

Newborns cannot see as clearly as adults right from birth.

Their vision develops by “continuously looking at clear images.”

As they grow, two key aspects of vision—visual acuity and binocular vision—develop.

From 0 months:
Can only faintly see faces.

There is a limited window for visual development known as the “visual sensitive period.”

From about 1 month to roughly 18 months of age, vision develops rapidly, then continues to develop gradually until around age 8. If any issues arise during this process—such as severe farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, or strabismus—normal visual acuity may not develop, potentially leading to amblyopia.

Detecting and treating abnormalities early, before the sensitive period ends, is crucial.


Checking Your Child’s Eyes

The ages below are guidelines.Each child develops differently, especially in infancy. Daily observation is vital to detect any potential eye abnormalities early. Check your child’s eyes when they are in a good mood.

If any of the following apply, please visit an ophthalmologist promptly.

From 0 months:

Do the pupils ever appear white or glow a yellow-green color?

Do the eyes seem to quiver?

Does the iris (colored part) appear large or cloudy?

From 3–4 months:

Try taking a front-facing photo using a camera flash.

*Or shine a light to check.

Normally, the flash reflection appears in the center of each pupil.

Is the reflection shifted

inward,

outward,

upward,

or downward?

*If one eye seems to be turning inward, gently pinch the skin between the eyes and observe.

Pinch

Be sure to check regardless of age.

Gently cover one eye with your hand—test each eye separately. Does your child resist or turn away only when one specific eye is covered?

*Avoid leaving gaps between your fingers when covering the eye.

From 1 year:

Does your child watch TV or look at books from an extremely close distance?

Do they squint one eye or seem overly sensitive to bright light?

Do they move more slowly or appear to have trouble in dimly lit areas?

Do they tilt their head or look out of the corners of their eyes?

From 2 years:

Do your child’s eyes turn inward when looking at books or other close objects?

From 3 years:

Be sure to attend the 3-year-old health checkup!

Does your child squint as though having difficulty seeing?

Does their gaze fail to meet yours, making it unclear where they’re looking?