THE DEVELOPMENT OF VISUAL FUNCTION IN EAR LY-CHILDHOOD

The milestones in the development of visual function in early childhoo d are described and located on a timetable. The development of ocular motility is detailed, with special attention to the vestibule-ocular r eflex, opticokinetic nystagmus, visual attraction and tracking, visual field, accomodation, and vergence. A description is also provided of the development of visual function strictly speaking, i.e., exploratio n of space, temporospatial discrimination, visual acuity, sensitivity to contrasts, and color vision. The development of visual function is dependent on that of many other functions, and each component of this maturation process is aimed at establishing binocular vision. Knowledg e of the characteristics of each skill acquired during this process pr ovides understanding of the need for early detection of all visual dis orders in pediatric patients.