CHOC Health Library - Eye Care: Age-Appropriate Vision Milestones

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EYE CARE :: Visual Screening and Eye Examinations

Age-Appropriate Vision Milestones

Vision problems may be suspected in children who are not responding to their environment properly. The following are some age-related guidelines that may help to decide if your child is having problems. It is important to remember that not every child is the same, and some children may reach milestones at different ages. Consult your child's pediatrician if you are suspicious that your child is not seeing correctly or is having other problems with his/her vision.

Milestones related to vision or seeing:

Birth	poor eyesight infant will blink in response to bright light or touching eye eyes are sometimes uncoordinated, may look crossed-eyed able to stare at object if held 8 to 10 inches away initially fixes eyes on a face or light then begins to follow a moving object
1 month	looks at faces and pictures with contrasting black and white images can follow an object up to 90 degrees watches parent tears begin to work
2 to 3 months	begins to be able to see an object as one image looks at hands follows light, faces, objects
4 to 5 months	beginning to reach hands to objects, may bat at hanging object with hands recognizes bottle will look at self in mirror
5 to 7 months	able to see at longer distances can pick up a toy that is dropped will turn head to see an object may like certain colors will touch image of self in mirror
7 to 11 months	can stare at small objects begins to have depth perception plays peek-a-boo
11 to 12 months	can watch objects that are moving fast
12 to 14 months	able to place shapes in proper holes becomes interested in pictures recognizes familiar objects and pictures in books, may point to some objects when asked, "Where is the ...?" points and gestures for objects and actions recognizes own face in mirror
18 to 24 months	able to focus on objects near and far scribbles with crayon or pencil, may imitate drawing straight line or circle can point to body parts (nose, hair, eyes) when asked
36 to 38 months	can copy shapes names colors
48 to 72 months (4 to 6 years)	recognizes and recites the alphabet ready to begin reading has mature depth perception uses scissors can name coins and money

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It is important to remember the health information found on this website is for reference only not intended to replace the advice and guidance of your healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your physician or 911 immediately.

Children's Hospital of Orange County | UCI University of California, Irvine

Children's Hospital of Orange County is affiliated with UC Irvine Healthcare and UC Irvine School of Medicine