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Visual disorders in children with brain lesions: 1. Maturation of visual function in infants with neonatal brain

A Guzzetta1, G Cioni, F Cowan

  • 1Stella Maris Scientific Institute--Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.

European Journal of Paediatric Neurology : EJPN : Official Journal of the European Paediatric Neurology Society
|October 9, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Visual function development in infants is better understood, with new testing methods available. Impaired visual acuity, fields, and nystagmus are common in infants with early brain lesions.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Pediatric ophthalmology
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders

Background:

  • Recent advancements have significantly improved understanding of infant visual maturation.
  • New methods allow for visual function testing during the neonatal period and early infancy.
  • Studies indicate visual impairments are common in infants with antenatal/perinatal brain lesions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on visual function maturation in early childhood.
  • To discuss visual development in both typically developing and brain-damaged children.
  • To present clinical experience with infants exhibiting visual impairments due to brain lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on visual maturation in infants and children.
  • Analysis of studies examining visual function (acuity, fields, optokinetic nystagmus) in infants.
  • Case review of infants with antenatal and perinatal brain lesions affecting visual function.

Main Results:

  • Visual acuity, visual fields, and optokinetic nystagmus are frequently impaired in infants with early-onset brain lesions.
  • Significant progress has been made in assessing visual function in neonates and young infants.
  • Understanding of visual maturation pathways in normal and brain-damaged children has increased.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and assessment of visual function are crucial in infants with brain lesions.
  • Impairments in visual function can be indicative of underlying neurological conditions.
  • Continued research is needed to optimize visual development interventions for affected children.

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