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Visual development of infants with severe ocular disorders
A R Fielder1, A B Fulton, D L Mayer
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Birmingham, England.
Ophthalmology
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Many infants with early blindness, including Leber congenital amaurosis and optic nerve hypoplasia, can develop visual skills. Early grating acuity predicts later visual performance, suggesting potential for visual pathway maturation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Early infancy blindness presents diagnostic challenges.
- Conditions include Leber congenital amaurosis, optic nerve hypoplasia, and macular colobomata.
- Prognosis for visual development in these conditions varies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate visual development in infants presenting with early blindness.
- To determine the predictive value of early visual acuity measurements.
- To explore potential factors underlying visual improvement.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal assessment of 11 infants with early blindness.
- Measurement of grating acuity and visually guided behavior.
- Correlation of early visual performance with later outcomes.
Main Results:
- Eight of 11 patients developed visually guided behavior and measurable grating acuity.
- Measurable grating acuity correlated with visually guided mobility.
- Early grating acuity predicted later visual performance in most patients.
- Two patients with Leber congenital amaurosis and one with optic nerve hypoplasia remained blind without identifiable distinguishing features.
Conclusions:
- Visual development is possible in some infants with early blindness, even with conditions like Leber congenital amaurosis and optic nerve hypoplasia.
- Early grating acuity is a valuable predictor of visual function.
- Posterior visual pathway maturation may explain observed visual improvements.