Cerebral Visual Impairment - CVI

Cerebral Visual Impairment is most often caused by issues that arise while a child is still in the womb or during birth, leading to congenital conditions. Occasionally, a child who initially has normal vision may suffer an injury, trauma, or medical condition that harms parts of the brain responsible for vision, resulting in acquired visual impairment (Hall Lueck and Dutton, 2015). Recognizing these differences is essential for customizing interventions and support to meet the unique needs of each child.

Common causes of CVI in children include:

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• Disorders of brain development 

• Embryological errors

• Malformations of cortical development

• Preterm birth 

• Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), Periventricular brain injury and White matter damage of immaturity

• Hypoxia (Lack of oxygen)

• Epilepsy

• Cerebrovascular disease

• Closed head trauma

• Congenital and childhood myotonic dystrophy type 1

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

• Hydrocephalus

• Neonatal hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar in Newborns)

• Neurofibromatosis (type 1)

• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

• Tumours affecting the anterior visual pathway

• Thyroid hormone insufficiency 

• Viral encephalitis and presumed viral encephalitis (Zihl and Dutton, 2015).

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These conditions can lead to significant challenges in visual functioning for children, necessitating specialized interventions and support systems to aid in their development and daily living. ​

Children with CVI frequently experience a range of associated conditions. These may include:

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• cerebral palsy

• cognitive impairment

• seizure disorders

• auditory processing disorder - APD

• autism spectrum disorder - ASD

• attention deficit disorder - ADD

• developmental visual dyslexia and

• hearing impairment (Zihl and Dutton, 2015; Dutton and Bax, 2010)

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These comorbidities can add layers of complexity to the support and care that children with CVI require. A multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists from various fields, is often necessary to address the diverse needs of these children effectively. ​

Vision habilitation and rehabilitation for individuals with CVI aim to enhance visual and developmental functions through early intervention. Identifying CVI promptly is essential to prevent delays and negative outcomes. Creating suitable environments and activities can improve visual capabilities significantly. Since children with CVI have diverse needs, personalized care and a multidisciplinary approach are vital to support their overall health and functionality.

Identifying visual disorders and adopting appropriate approaches can significantly enhance a child's quality of life and development. Without early detection, children with CVI may face educational challenges due to inappropriate teaching materials leading to educational disadvantages. Early detection and intervention are crucial to ensure that children with CVI receive the support they need to thrive. This involves creating accessible learning environments and utilizing appropriate educational materials and strategies. 

Dutton, G.N. and Bax, M. (eds) (2010) Visual impairment in children due to damage to the brain. London: Mac Keith Press.

Hall Lueck, A. and Dutton, G.N. (eds) (2015) Vision and the brain. Understanding cerebral visual impairment in children. New York: American Foundation for the blind, AFB Press.

Zihl, J. and Dutton, G.N. (2015) Cerebral visual impairment in children. Visuoperceptive and visuocognitive disorders. Wien: Springer Verlag.