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Stimulation of functional vision in children with perinatal brain damage
Sonja Alimović1, Vlatka Mejaski-Bosnjak
1Mali Dom, Zagreb, Day Care Centre for Rehabilitation of Children with Visual Impairment and Multiple Disabilities, Zagreb, Croatia. sonja@malakuca.hr
Insights
Early visual stimulation significantly improves functional vision in children with perinatal brain damage. This intervention enhances visual attention and communication skills, crucial for development.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental neuroscience
Background:
- Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a leading cause of bilateral vision loss, often resulting from perinatal brain injury.
- Early visual development is critical for foundational cognitive and developmental milestones.
- Timely detection and intervention for visual impairments are essential for optimal outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the specific visual functioning in children with perinatal brain damage.
- To investigate the impact of targeted visual stimulation on the development of functional vision in early childhood.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 30 children (up to 3 years old) with perinatal brain damage using functional vision assessments.
- Implemented individualized visual stimulation programs including light, UV light with materials, and high-contrast/bright colors.
- Integrated early sensory-motor development stimulation and reassessed functional vision after one year.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated significant improvements in functional vision following the intervention program.
- Observed notable gains in visual attention and visual communication skills.
- Individualized therapy based on child's needs and capabilities guided the positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Targeted visual stimulation is effective in enhancing functional vision in young children with perinatal brain damage.
- Early intervention programs can positively influence visual development, particularly attention and communication.
- Functional vision assessment is key to tailoring effective therapeutic strategies for CVI.
Abstract:
Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is one of the most common causes of bilateral visual loss, which frequently occurs due to perinatal brain injury. Vision in early life has great impact on acquisition of basic comprehensions which are fundamental for further development. Therefore, early detection of visual problems and early intervention is necessary. The aim of the present study is to determine specific visual functioning of children with perinatal brain damage and the influence of visual stimulation on development of functional vision at early age of life. We initially assessed 30 children with perinatal brain damage up to 3 years of age, who were reffered to our pediatric low vision cabinet in "Little house" from child neurologists, ophthalmologists Type and degree of visual impairment was determined according to functional vision assessment of each child. On the bases of those assessments different kind of visual stimulations were carried out with children who have been identified to have a certain visual impairment. Through visual stimulation program some of the children were stimulated with light stimulus, some with different materials under the ultraviolet (UV) light, and some with bright color and high contrast materials. Children were also involved in program of early stimulation of overall sensory motor development. Goals and methods of therapy were determined individually, based on observation of child's possibilities and need. After one year of program, reassessment was done. Results for visual functions and functional vision were compared to evaluate the improvement of the vision development. These results have shown that there was significant improvement in functional vision, especially in visual attention and visual communication.
