Cortical Visual Impairment in the Child with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Cortical visual impairment (CVI) ranks as the leading cause of visual impairment in children in developed countries. Cortical visual impairment is bilateral vision loss associated with damage to areas of the brain associated with visual function. Ocular abnormalities are absent or the ocular disease is not sufficient to explain the vision loss in a child with CVI. Children with CVI display specific behaviors that are characteristic of CVI. CVI is commonly found in children with cerebral palsy. CVI interferes with how a child accesses visual information, interprets the visual information, and responds to visual information. This can negatively affect the child’s ability to become educated and live up to their potential. The visual impairment may prevent accurate developmental testing. Accommodations can be matched to the characteristic behaviors of CVI, helping the child to use vision in a more efficient manner. It is imperative that healthcare professionals screen, evaluate, diagnose, and refer children with CVI for services for vision.