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Development of the Eye during Pregnancy

  • Day 32

    Day 32

    The optic placodes become prominent on the surface of the embryo at approximately Day 32 (Stage 14) of development.
  • 6 Weeks

    6 Weeks

    The eyes are forming, and if seen in an ultrasound, they show up as black dots.
  • 7 Weeks

    7 Weeks

    The retina and lens have attached themselves.
  • 8 Weeks

    8 Weeks

    The eyes can now be seen as small hollows on each side of the head. The eyes have a retina and lens.
  • 9 Weeks

    9 Weeks

    His or her eyelids will fuse together, or shut, and will reopen again during the 27th week of pregnancy.
  • 14 Weeks

    14 Weeks

    The eyes continue to shift into their correct positions drawing closer to one another.
  • 16 Weeks

    16 Weeks

    Babies have been seen protecting their eyes from bright lights with their hands at this point.
  • 21 Weeks

    21 Weeks

    Eyelids are fully developed.
  • 22 Weeks

    22 Weeks

    The eyelids are becoming clear cut and distinguishable. Even the eyes have formed fully, but the irises (colored part of your eye) still lacks pigment.
  • 26 Weeks

    26 Weeks

    During the 26th week the baby’s eyelids (which have been sealed shut) begin to open and blink on their own. The color of the eyes is blue, however this will often change after birth. The development of your baby’s eyes is almost complete.
  • 27 Weeks

    27 Weeks

    As the eyes continue to develop, the layers of the retina are forming, and the membrane that covers the eyes separates to form eyelids.
  • 28 Weeks

    28 Weeks

    The eyes have opened and the eyebrows and eyelids are fully formed.
  • 29 Weeks

    29 Weeks

    The baby isn’t afraid to look at bright lights anymore, as it practices opening and closing its eyes on a regular basis.
  • 30 Weeks

    30 Weeks

    As the brain continues to mature, it begins to train the eyes to function on their own.