How Much Light Do Babies Need?

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Do babies need 50 times more light or 50 times less light to see what an adult sees? Also, do babies see color at birth?

Answer:
Babies need just about the same level of light you require. Keeping them in a very bright environment sounds dangerous to the eyes, while too dark means they cannot see what is going on in their environment. The system for detection of color is present at birth and although they cannot tell you what color they see they do have an appreciation of it.

Answered by: Michael Repka, MD 

Categories: Children's Eye Health, General Eye Health

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