Longitudinal visual acuity development in ZIKV-exposed children

Abstract

Purpose: To follow the visual acuity development of children exposed to or infected with the Zika virus (ZIKV) during gestation and to relate potential visual acuity deficits to their clinical condition.

Methods: In this prospective study, visual acuity was measured via Teller Acuity Cards in three groups of children: (1) those with confirmed ZIKV exposure (ZE) through the mother only, (2) those with confirmed infection (ZI), and (3) unaffected controls. Visual acuity was measured 2-4 times in each child during the first 30 months of age.

Results: The study included 22 children in the ZE group, 11 in the ZI group, and 27 controls. Visual acuity developed normally in both patient groups, including infected patients (ZI) that did not manifest clinical symptoms. In a small subgroup of patients with characteristics consistent with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), visual acuity was within normative values, with the exception of single child with chorioretinal atrophy.

Conclusions: In this southeastern Brazil study cohort, visual acuity development seemed to progress normally in infected children without CZS symptoms.