Visual function in children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

Vision involves a process of maturation that occurs in early childhood. Early recognition of visual disorders such as amblyopia is necessary to assure prompt treatment and optimize visual potential. This is especially important in children with developmental disabilities, in whom there is a high prevalence of such problems. Certainly, the type of ocular disorder varies according to the type of disability. But individual ophthalmic assessment is important, regardless of diagnosis, to identify treatable conditions that may improve or maximize visual function. In addition, ophthalmic examination may reveal distinctive anomalies in cases in which the etiology of disability has been difficult to establish. The present level of expertise and technology allows a comprehensive ophthalmic assessment to be performed, regardless of a child's level of impairment or ability to cooperate.