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Cerebral Visual Impairment

How Does Normal Vision Work?

In normal vision, your eyes take a picture of what you see and this picture is sent to the brain through optic nerves. The brain figures out what the picture means and tells your body how to react to what you see.

How Does Vision Work in CVI?

In CVI, the eyes work fine and take pictures of what you see. But the brain can't understand the pictures because of a problem inside the brain. Problems in different parts the brain can cause different types of seeing problems. CVI is one of the main reasons kids have trouble seeing in countries like the United States.

What is Delayed Visual Maturation (DVM)?

DVM is like CVI. A baby's eyes look normal, but they don't see like other babies. The difference is that babies with DVM usually get better by the time the child is one year old. Also, babies with DVM don’t have brain problems.

Is "Cortical Blindness" the Same as CVI?

"Cortical blindness" is an old name for CVI. We don't use it anymore because most kids with CVI can see some things, and their eyesight might get better as they get older.

WHAT CAUSES CVI?

CVI can happen when something damages the parts of the brain that helps us see. This could be from being born too early, not getting enough blood or oxygen to the brain, brain infections, head injuries, problems with the body that also affect the brain, or other brain problems.

What Are the Signs of CVI?

• Children with CVI might show issues with their vision such as:
• Liking certain colors
• Taking a long time to react to what they see
• Having trouble seeing some things
• Preferring to look at moving things
• Staring at lights and/or bright objects
• Seeing better up close than far away
• Having trouble seeing in busy places with lots to look at

Can CVI Get Better?

As a child's brain grows, their sight might get better. But, it's hard to know how much better the vision will get. With help, many children with CVI can learn to see better over time.

How Can We Help Kids With CVI?

It is important to find and treat brain problems. The child’s main doctor or a pediatric neurologist (brain doctor) can help with this. An eye doctor for kids can check to see if glasses or other treatments might help. Special teachers can help children learn to use their sight better. Starting treatments as early as possible is very important.

Other Ways to Help Kids With CVI See Better: 

• Using big, bright, moving toys
• Use sound and touch to get their attention
• Showing them simple things at first, then slowly making them more complex
• Giving them extra time to look at things
• Not showing children too many things at once
• Not trying to make them look at things when they're tired or upset

How Can Parents or Caregivers Help Children With CVI?

It can help to keep a list of what is going on with the child's sight. Talk with doctors about any vision problems in the child. Make sure the child gets regular eye check-ups so they can see as good as possible.

Remember, every child with CVI is different. What works for one child might not work for another. It's important to work closely with doctors and teachers to find the best ways to help each child.

Updated: 10/2024

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