Vision Develops in the Brain

Within each brain area are millions of nerve cells that send messages
to each other across connections called synapses. This allows the
various areas of the brain to communicate with each other and work
together.

For many areas of the brain, no new nerve cells are formed after
birth. However, most of the connections among the cells are made
during infancy and early childhood. Brain development consists of an
ongoing process of "wiring and rewiring" the connections. These
connections occur due to the early experiences and interactions a
child has with his or her environment and are critical in a child's
development.

Different experiences can cause the brain and
vision skills to develop in different ways.

It is the "plasticity" of a child's brain and visual system that allows
them to develop and change in response to the demands made on
them. Normal sensory experiences, like what a child sees, hears, or
touches, reinforce the connections between brain cells. It is these
connections that serve as the brains' "circuitry" or "wiring".

When a circuit is used repeatedly in the early years, it becomes
permanent. But if a pathway is not used, it may be eliminated based
on the "use it or lose it" principle. This is why children need the
opportunity to participate in a wide variety of learning experiences.
Children learn by doing and practicing new skills through play.

Learning continues throughout life. However, "windows of
opportunity" exist when it's easier for the brain to absorb new
information. This seems to be especially true during the first three
years of life. Changes in the brain that happen during early childhood
serve as the foundation for a child's later development.