Your baby's eyes start forming at week four. Here is what parents need to know.

This month, as part of Find Your Bloom, we spent a day with Olivia, a mum of two on a hill overlooking the sea, whose youngest daughter arrived very early, with all the questions that come with that. Including one she could barely say out loud. Watch her story here.

What is actually happening, stage by stage

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There is a lot that happens during pregnancy that nobody tells you about. You know about the morning sickness and the sleep and the way your body changes in ways you did not expect. But here is something that tends to catch parents off guard: your baby’s eyes begin forming at week four. Before most people even know they are pregnant, the process has already started.

August is Children’s Eye Health Month, and this year we wanted to do something genuinely useful with it. Not a product push. Not a list of things to feel anxious about. Just the information that helps parents feel informed and confident about one of the most important aspects of their child’s development, from the very beginning.

Week 4

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The neural tube, which eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord, starts to form. Simultaneously, tiny indentations appear on the sides of the developing head. These will eventually become the eyes.

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Weeks 7 to 8

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The optic vesicles emerge, a significant milestone. These give rise to the retina, the lens and the cornea. The tear ducts also begin developing at this stage, though they will not be fully formed until after birth, which is why newborns produce very few tears in those first weeks.

Hannah Smiroldo, Bio Island’s Product Training Co-Ordinator and Nutritionist (BHSc), explains: “Weeks seven to 10 are an important period because the baby’s eyes are undergoing rapid early development, with key structures forming and maturing during these weeks. DHA is particularly important because it is a major structural fatty acid found in the retina and brain.”

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Week 10

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Your baby has eyelids. They are fused closed to protect the developing eyes and will not open until around week 27. In the meantime, the structures underneath continue to develop.

Week 27

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The eyelids open. Your baby can start blinking and may begin responding to bright light or light changes. You might notice this in the second half of pregnancy.

Week 32

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Your baby’s pupils are now able to shrink and expand, letting more or less light in. From around this time, they may also be able to start seeing dim outlines of shapes, though colour vision is not yet developed.

At birth

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Your baby has a limited focal range of about 20 to 30 centimetres. This is, as it turns out, the perfect distance to see the most important things. Like you.

The nutritional picture during pregnancy

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What a mother eats during pregnancy directly influences the development of her baby’s eyes. Here are the key nutrients worth knowing about.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

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An Omega-3 fatty acid that plays an important role in the development of the retina and the visual cortex. Found in fatty fish like salmon and sardines, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds.

“There isn’t currently a specific Australian daily DHA recommendation solely for supporting foetal eye development specifically,” explains Hannah. “For pregnant women, Australian guidelines recommend a daily intake of 250 to 500mg of DHA or EPA which can be met by consuming two to three servings of seafood per week or from fish or algal oil supplement. DHA is found predominantly in oily fish and seafood, such as salmon, sardines and trout. It is certainly possible to obtain DHA through food but intake can be inconsistent, particularly for women who don’t regularly eat fish or who limit certain fish during pregnancy.”

Vitamin A

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Required for the development of the retina and helps maintain good vision. Found in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. An important note: during pregnancy, it is important not to consume too much retinol, a form of Vitamin A, as high doses may cause harm. Always read supplement labels carefully and speak to your healthcare professional.

Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E

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Help protect the developing eyes from oxidative stress and damage. Found in citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, spinach, nuts and seeds.

Zinc

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Contributes to the proper functioning of the retina and aids in the synthesis of visual pigments. Found in lean meats, legumes, whole grains and dairy products.

“My biggest piece of advice would be to focus on nutrition early rather than waiting until later in pregnancy,” says Hannah. “Eye and brain development begins very early, so establishing a varied, nutrient-dense diet before conception and throughout pregnancy is important. However, some women experience significant nausea during the early stages of pregnancy, which can make eating a varied and nutritious diet challenging. In these situations, the priority should be supporting the mother’s wellbeing and ensuring she has appropriate guidance and support from her healthcare team.”

Nicolle Regent, Bio Island’s Customer Relations Manager and Nutritionist (Adv Dip. Nut Medicine), adds: “It can take time for nutrient levels to replenish if you are deficient. If you do need a supplement due to deficiency, it may take weeks or months of consistent routine until your levels are optimal for some nutrients. Make sure you are checking in with your healthcare professional during this time.”

After birth: the development continues

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The journey does not stop when your baby arrives. During the first months of life, their visual system undergoes significant growth and refinement. Even eye colour is not fully determined until around nine months of age.

Breast milk is an excellent source of DHA and other essential nutrients for ongoing eye development. As your baby transitions to solid foods, continue to offer a variety of nutrient-rich options. Colourful fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fish, whole grains and dairy products all contribute to healthy visual development.

And perhaps most importantly: regular eye check-ups with a paediatrician or eye care specialist are an important part of ongoing care. The earlier any issues are detected, the better the outcomes.

This month, as part of Find Your Bloom, we spent a day with Olivia, a mum of two on a hill overlooking the sea, whose youngest daughter arrived very early, with all the questions that come with that. Including one she could barely say out loud. Watch her story here.

This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or if any concerns arise.

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