Purpose Global visual integration is fundamental to shape and face recognition. While the maturation of local visual function, such as resolution acuity, has been well documented, less is known about the changes in global visual function during development and with aging. Methods Two hundred thirty-six normal subjects, ranging in age from 0.25 to 78 years old, participated the study. Global hyperacuity (detection threshold for radial deformation) was obtained from 300 eyes using either a computerized testing or a chart testing protocol and spatial forced choice (preferential-looking for < 2.6 yr old, pointing for young children, or verbal response for older children and adults). Resolution acuity was also measured. The developmental courses for global hyperacuity and resolution acuity were fit to a 3-segment curve to capture the initial rapid development, followed by a period of stable, adult-level visual function and, finally, the decline in visual function with aging. Results Curve fitting revealed that global hyperacuity was 0.25 logMAR at 0.25 yrs of age, and improved rapidly to -0.56 logMAR at 5.4 yrs of age but did not reach the mean adult level (-0.86 logMAR) until 21 yrs of age. Global hyperacuity started to deteriorate from 55 yrs of age at the rate of 0.035 logMAR per decade. In comparison, resolution acuity reached 0.0 logMAR at 5 yrs of age, and reached the adult level of -0.1 logMAR at 11 yrs of age. Resolution acuity also started to decrease from 55 yrs of age at the rate of 0.058 logMAR per decade. Conclusions Similar to vernier alignment acuity, global hyperacuity improves rapidly during infancy and early childhood but takes longer to reach the adult level than resolution acuity. The delayed maturation of global hyperacuity suggests that further development to refine neural circuitry at the cortical level takes place in the second decade of life.