The recent weeks found me preoccupied with researching at what and how babies see as I contemplate on materials and activities that will aptly support Anya’s healthy eyesight. It is important for her to have keen vision so that she can receive information from the environment with clarity and accuracy.  With good vision, Anya will have a good handle of the size, shape and color of what she finds in the environment. Good vision coupled with the “powers” of the other senses: taste, smell, hearing, and touch, will form the basis where her learning will rest upon. As Dr. Montessori said, there is nothing that we learn that did not pass through our senses.  Our sense organs are the “breathing pores” of the brain.

In my readings, I found out that the timeline for the development of the visual sense actually starts while the baby is still in the womb, even as early as 4 weeks from the time of conception when the optic nerve starts to develop.  It continues after birth taking about six months or so before the baby can see as clearly as the adult. This is important to know so that we can offer materials and activities that can stimulate this sensory organ.  With a good understanding of the development of eyesight, we will be able to take measures that will ensure our children having good eyesight..

The human eye has several parts each of which should develop properly in order for the child to see clearly.  This is important so that the she can pick up and process sharp and accurate details of the information (color, shape and size)  that her environment offers.  She will use these details when she eventually create new things or ideas first in her mind; and then, perhaps later on. with her hands.

I divided this topic into two.  The first part, which is what is discussed in this article, is about the development of the visual sense while the baby is in utero or is still in the womb. The second part, which will tackle that which happens after birth, will be discussed in a succeeding article. I thought that posting a timeline on how the eyes develop in the womb will help infanticipating mothers to take the necessary actions that will aid their children having sharp vision. Here is the timeline:

• 4 weeks  – The optic nerve, the organ that passes information from the eyes to the brain, starts to develop.
• 8 weeks– The retina, the layer of cells at the back of the eye that perceive and process light, starts to develop.
• 16 weeks – The fetus begins to respond to light.  The eyelids are still shut.
• 21-24 weeks – All eye components are developed.
• 26 weeks – Eyelids open.  The baby responds to light coming from outside the womb.

What to do at this time: 1. Eat healthy.  Remember that what you eat determines the nutrients that you pass on to your baby.  Make sure to eat a balanced diet.  Eat Vitamin A rich food like green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, milk and eggs, and liver.

Here is a link to a list of food rich in vitamin A: www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-high-in-vitamin-a

2.  Expose your baby “bump” to the sun.  This will help develop good eyesight.  You can do this as early as 16 weeks into the pregnancy when your baby shows certain sensitivity to light.

Research data on visual development reveals increased risk for certain eye disorders among children whose mothers became pregnant during the darkest months of the year.  This also holds true for laboratory mice that are keep in the dark.

If you intend to sunbathe while pregnant, make sure that you apply a generous amount of sunscreen to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun and that you are well hydrated.  You don’t have to stay directly under the scorching heat of the midday sun; this may be too much for you and for your baby. You can relax in the garden shade or you can stand by a sunny and well lit window.  The light that penetrates your exposed tummy is enough to help stimulate good visual development without risking harm from the radiant heat of the sun.

3.  Have a “face to face”interaction with your baby.A study conducted in Lancaster University in the United Kingdom reveals that the unborn, during the last trimester in the womb, have a tendency to turn his head towards faces and face-like images that he sees through the blur of the amniotic fluid and the stomach wall.  Given this tendency, it is best that you, in a well lit area ( not too bright as this can harm the child’s eyes), talk to your baby with your face only inches away from the “bump.”  This interaction, your face and your voice, can provide the needed assurance to your baby as he transitions from a safe environment in the womb to one that offers a myriad of stimulation that may be overwhelming to the uninitiated newborn.    References:

www. whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/fetal-development/fetal-eyesight

Amazing STUDY!! Fetuses Can Recognize Faces While Inside Womb!