13/03/2024
Around week 4 of pregnancy, some cells are already beginning to form two optic nerves while other cells begin developing into the lens of the eye to aid your baby's vision. By about 8 weeks, the retina, responsible for perceiving and processing light, begins to take shape.
At 16 weeks, although the eyelids remain closed, your baby's eyes start detecting light and can move slightly from side to side in response. By week 22, shining a torch on your belly might prompt a few gentle kicks from your little one. By week 28, your baby's eyes can open, sense light, and even blink.
Newborns can only see around 30cm (12 inches) in front of them, so staying close when interacting with your baby is important so that they can see you clearly. They can see colors from birth, though not as vividly as adults, often focusing on black, white, or bright colors. By 3 months, your baby can fix their gaze on objects, recognize familiar faces, and track movement with their eyes.