**Question:** All statements are true about the eye of a newborn except

A. The lens is immature and causes myopia (nearsightedness)
B. The cornea is smooth and transparent
C. The iris has a round pupil
D. The retina is not fused to the choroid layer

**Core Concept:** The eye of a newborn, particularly the lens, cornea, iris, and retina, undergoes developmental changes that can lead to refractive errors.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer is "C" because the iris of a newborn has a round pupil. This is a normal physiological adaptation to the child's increased sensitivity to light in the early neonatal period. As the child grows, the pupil's shape gradually changes to an elliptical shape due to the development of the iris sphincter and dilator muscles.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

A. **Option A (Myopia)**: The immature lens can cause myopia (nearsightedness) due to its increased curvature and reduced transparency. This leads to an optical focus in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry.

B. **Option B (Keratoconus)**: Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder in which the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to visual disturbances like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. It is not a normal developmental process in newborns.

D. **Option D (Retina detachment)**: Retina detachment is a serious ocular condition that occurs when the retina is separated from the underlying choroid layer. It is not a normal developmental process in newborns.

**Clinical Pearl:**

Understanding the normal developmental changes in the eye of a newborn is essential for diagnosing and managing ocular disorders in infants and young children. Monitoring the progression of these changes is crucial to identify any abnormal conditions early, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.