Cerebral visual impairment

Cerebral visual impairment (CVI), also sometimes called cortical visual impairment or cortical blindness, is the most common cause of visual impairment in children in developed countries. Unlike eye problems that affect the eye itself, CVI happens when the part of the brain responsible for processing what we see — mainly the back of the brain called the visual cortex — is damaged or does not develop properly. The eyes themselves may look and work normally, but the brain has trouble making sense of the visual information it receives. CVI can cause a wide range of vision problems, from mild difficulty recognizing faces or objects to very severe vision loss. Many children with CVI also have other neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or intellectual disability, because the same brain injury or developmental problem that caused CVI often affects other brain functions too. There is no cure for CVI, but early intervention and specialized vision therapy can make a significant difference. With the right support, many children learn to use their remaining vision more effectively and can improve their ability to function in daily life. Treatment focuses on understanding each child's unique visual profile and adapting their environment, learning materials, and daily routines to help them thrive.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What is causing my child's CVI, and can we find out if there is an underlying condition responsible?,What does my child's specific visual profile look like — what can they see well and what is most difficult for them?,What therapies or interventions do you recommend, and how often should we do them?,How should we adapt our home and my child's classroom to support their vision?,Is my child's vision likely to improve over time, and what factors affect that?,Are there any associated conditions we should be watching for, such as epilepsy?,What resources or support groups do you recommend for families dealing with CVI?

Common questions about Cerebral visual impairment