Baby’s Eye Development in Pregnancy

By 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, your baby’s eyes begin to open and blink. They can also detect light through the womb, which marks an important stage in the development of vision.

1. Early Development

• The eyes begin forming around week 4–6 of pregnancy.
  • By the end of the first trimester, eyelids are fully formed but remain fused shut to protect the eyes as they develop.

2. Eyelid Opening (24–26 Weeks)

• By 24–26 weeks, the eyelids begin to separate and open.
  • Babies can now blink and respond to touch near the eyelids.

3. Detecting Light

• Although vision is still limited, the baby can detect bright light through the mother’s abdomen and uterine wall.
  • If a flashlight is shone on the belly, the baby may respond by turning, moving, or blinking.
  • The retina is functional enough to sense changes in brightness, though images are still blurry.

4. Eye Movements

• Babies begin to make slow eye movements at this stage.
  • These later develop into rapid eye movements (REM) associated with sleep cycles.
  • Marks the beginning of visual brain activity.

5. Developmental Importance

• Eye opening and light detection prepare the visual system for life outside the womb.
  • Early exposure to light stimulates the brain and lays the foundation for vision after birth.

Summary

By 24–28 weeks, your baby’s eyes begin to open and blink. They can detect light from outside the womb, although vision is still blurry. This is the beginning of functional vision and brain-eye coordination, essential for healthy development after birth.