All statements are true about the eye of a newborn except –
**Core Concept**
The eye of a newborn undergoes significant changes after birth, and understanding these differences is crucial for diagnosis and management of various eye conditions. The anatomy and physiology of the newborn eye are distinct from those of adults, including the level of myelination in the optic nerve and the development of the retina.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Option D states that the newborn is usually myopic by -2 to -3D. This is incorrect because newborns are typically hyperopic (farsighted) due to the underdeveloped anterior segment of the eye. The anterior segment, including the cornea and lens, continues to grow and develop after birth, leading to a decrease in hyperopia and an increase in emmetropia (normal vision) over the first few years of life. Myopia (nearsightedness) is not typically present at birth and usually develops later in childhood.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The optic nerve is indeed myelinated only up to the lamina cribrosa in the newborn eye, which is a normal anatomical feature. This allows for the transmission of visual information from the retina to the brain.
**Option B:** The orbit is indeed more divergent (widely spaced) in newborns compared to adults, which is a normal anatomical feature. This divergence gradually decreases as the child grows and develops.
**Option C:** The retina, apart from the macular area, is indeed fully differentiated in the newborn eye. The macula, however, continues to mature and develop after birth, leading to improved visual acuity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The newborn eye is highly sensitive to light, and exposure to bright light can lead to photic retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a condition that can cause retinal detachment and vision loss in premature infants. This highlights the importance of protecting the eyes of newborns from excessive light exposure.
**✓ Correct Answer:** D. New born is usually myopic by –2 to –3D