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Updated: May 2, 2026
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
Cross-sectional study on childhood cerebral visual impairment in New Zealand
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Insights
Childhood cerebral visual impairment (CVI) affects 0.02% of children in New Zealand. Perinatal hypoxia and nonaccidental injury are leading avoidable causes of CVI blindness, highlighting the need for preventative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is a significant cause of vision loss in children.
- Understanding the prevalence and causes of CVI is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of childhood cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in New Zealand.
- To identify the primary etiologies and potentially avoidable causes of CVI in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical and educational records of children with blindness and low vision.
- Utilized the WHO Program for Prevention of Blindness (WHO/PBL) Eye Examination Record for Children with Blindness and Low Vision.
- Included children aged ≤16 years diagnosed with CVI and visual acuity ≤6/18.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of childhood CVI in New Zealand was calculated at 0.02%.
- Leading causes of CVI blindness included perinatal hypoxia/asphyxia (25%), nonaccidental injury (7%), and prematurity (7%).
- Approximately 50% of CVI blindness cases were potentially avoidable, with perinatal hypoxia being a major contributor.
Conclusions:
- Childhood CVI accounts for 30% of all childhood blindness in New Zealand.
- Perinatal asphyxia is the most common cause of CVI blindness and is an avoidable cause.
- These findings underscore the importance of preventative measures to reduce the burden of CVI.
Purpose:
To determine the prevalence, etiology, and avoidable causes of childhood cerebral visual impairment (CVI) in New Zealand.
Methods:
The clinical and educational records of blind and low vision children enrolled in the Blind and Low Vision Education Network, New Zealand (BLENNZ), a national referral center, were retrospectively analyzed. The WHO Program for Prevention of Blindness (WHO/PBL) Eye Examination Record for Children with Blindness and Low Vision was used to record data from children ≤16 years of age diagnosed with CVI and visual acuity ≤6/18 enrolled with BLENNZ. Data analyzed included demographics, etiology, visual acuity, visual fields, educational setting, and rehabilitation plan.
Results:
A total of 182 children (blind, 143; low vision, 39) were included. The calculated prevalence of childhood CVI in New Zealand was 0.02%. Of these, only 21% required low vision aids. Principle causes of CVI blindness were perinatal hypoxia/asphyxia (25%), nonaccidental injury (7%), and prematurity (7%). Approximately 50% of all cases of CVI blindness were potentially avoidable; of these, 52% were caused by perinatal hypoxia and 14% by nonaccidental injury.
Conclusions:
The conservative calculated prevalence of CVI, responsible for 30% of all childhood blindness in New Zealand, was 0.02%. The most common cause of CVI blindness in New Zealand, perinatal asphyxia, is also an avoidable cause.
