Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a significant condition affecting children's ability to process visual information. Understanding and recognizing CVI early can lead to effective intervention strategies that enhance their daily interactions.
Cortical visual impairment (CVI) is a neurological condition in which the eyes are healthy but the brain has difficulty interpreting the visual signals they send. It is a leading cause of visual impairment in children and can persist into adulthood. Recognizing CVI early is crucial, as tailored support can enhance a child’s ability to process and interact with the visual world.
Cortical visual impairment is caused by damage to the areas of the brain responsible for processing vision rather than an issue with the eyes themselves. In a typically functioning visual system, the eyes capture images and relay this information as electrical signals to the brain, where it is translated into meaningful images. In children with CVI, the brain struggles to make sense of these signals, often resulting in visual behaviors and challenges that can be misinterpreted or overlooked during simple eye exams.
This condition is sometimes also referred to as cerebral visual impairment, acknowledging that while the problem primarily occurs in the visual cortex, other parts of the brain such as the subcortical areas may also be involved. Because the impairment is not due to a defect in the ocular structures, children with CVI might have normal ocular health but still experience significant difficulties in visual processing.
Children with cortical visual impairment often demonstrate a unique set of visual behaviors that set them apart from those with traditional eye conditions. Here’s the thing: while every child’s experience is unique, there are some common symptoms that many share:
In addition to these behaviors, children with CVI might also display preferences such as responding better to moving stimuli or to objects with bright colors, which seem to capture visual attention more effectively than static or black-and-white images.
Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you to get the right support for children with Cortical Visual Impairment.
CVI is primarily associated with damage to the brain’s visual processing centers. The most common causes can be traced back to events occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. For example, a lack of oxygen or blood supply to the brain, known as hypoxic-ischemic injury, is one leading cause of CVI. This type of injury may occur due to conditions like stroke in newborns or other complications during delivery.
Other contributing factors include:
It’s important to understand that brain plasticity means that some aspects of visual processing might improve over time. However, improvement is gradual and highly individual—no one recovery pattern fits all children with CVI.
Diagnosing cortical visual impairment involves a comprehensive approach. Because CVI is not due to defects in the eyes themselves, a standard eye exam may reveal normal ocular structures even when functional vision is impaired. Our eye doctors start with a complete clinical vision examination to rule out conditions that originate in the eye. If the visual difficulties remain unexplained, especially in the presence of a known neurological history, they may consider CVI.
Good diagnosis of CVI relies on gathering information from several sources, including:
Since there is no single test for CVI, diagnosis is based on a combination of expected symptoms, clinical history, and the subtle behaviors that characterize this condition. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to discuss any concerns with our eye doctors as soon as unusual visual behaviors are noticed, so that further evaluations can be arranged promptly.
Find a top optometrist or ophthalmologist near you to get the right support for children with Cortical Visual Impairment.
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) affects visual processing in children. Early recognition and intervention are vital for better outcomes.
