Visual performance in preterm infants with brain injuries compared with low-risk preterm infants

Area of Science:

• Neonatal neurology
• Developmental pediatrics
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Neonatal brain injuries frequently cause visual deficits due to posterior visual pathway damage.
• Limited research exists on early-aged children with brain injuries and their visual function.
• Existing studies often focus on low-risk preterm infants or older children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate visual function in preterm infants with brain injuries.
• To compare visual function between preterm infants with and without brain injuries.
• To identify early signs of visual impairment in this population.

Main Methods:

• Study included 48 preterm infants with brain injuries and 56 low-risk preterm infants.
• Visual functions were assessed using the ML Leonhardt Battery of Optotypes.
• The test is validated for newborns and preterm infants.

Main Results:

• Preterm infants with brain lesions showed delayed visual functions (alertness, fixation, attention, tracking) compared to healthy controls.
• Observed differences in visual behaviors between groups were approximately 30%.
• These visual function deficits were identifiable within the first weeks of life.

Conclusions:

• A simple screening test is important for assessing visual function in preterm infants, particularly those with brain injuries.
• Early identification of altered visual function is critical.
• Prompt visual stimulation is recommended for infants with brain injuries.