The spectrum of cerebral visual impairment as a sequel to premature birth: an overview

Abstract

Purpose: In children born prematurely, impairment of vision due to damage to the brain is more common than due to retinopathy of prematurity. Yet, the diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment may be missed. The subject of cerebral visual impairment in children is reviewed in order to explain and draw attention to the types of visual deficits and behaviours that may result as a sequel to premature birth.

Methods: A wide range of sources of data has been employed to assemble this overview. The principal reference source is PubMed.

Results: The material presented highlights the origin and range of visual deficits that result from damage to the brain, related to premature birth. Deficits of primary visual functions, perceptual dysfunction, simultanagnostic visual disorders and impaired visual guidance of movement (optic ataxia), as well as disorders of visual attention and memory, can occur in a variety of combinations and degrees. The resulting behavioural outcomes are described.

Conclusion: Identification and characterisation of impaired vision, due to prematurity associated damage to the brain, are essential. This is required so as to ensure that affected children are not inappropriately disadvantaged on account of the diagnosis being missed or inadequately acted upon, but instead, they are managed optimally, both at home and at school, so that their development is enhanced to the greatest advantage.