What is the normal visual acuity range for neonates?

The normal visual acuity range for neonates is generally accepted to be between 20/100 and 20/400. This means that at birth, a baby’s vision is significantly less sharp than an adult's. Neonates primarily see things at a close distance (about 8 to 10 inches), which is approximately the distance to a caregiver's face when held. Their visual acuity improves over the first few months of life as the visual system matures. Thus, 20/100 to 20/400 indicates that they have limited clarity in their vision, aligning with what is known about the development of visual acuity in infants. As they grow, their vision will gradually improve, eventually reaching the typical adult standard of 20/20.