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Delayed visual maturation. A longitudinal clinical and electrophysiological assessment
S R Lambert1, A Kriss, D Taylor
1Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital for Sick Children, London, England.
Ophthalmology
|April 1, 1989
Summary
Delayed visual maturation in infants is often temporary, with most showing normal visual evoked potentials (VEPs) and electroretinograms (ERGs). Most infants eventually developed visually mediated behavior, suggesting VEPs aid in prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Delayed visual maturation (DVM) is an idiopathic condition presenting as visual inattention in infants.
- Early diagnosis and prognosis are crucial for appropriate intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of electroretinograms (ERGs) and visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in infants with DVM.
- To characterize the neurophysiological and developmental trajectory of infants diagnosed with DVM.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of nine infants with an initial DVM diagnosis.
- Comparison of ERGs and VEPs (flash and pattern stimulation) with age-matched controls.
- Assessment of visually mediated behavior development and other developmental spheres.
Main Results:
- Eight of nine patients exhibited normal VEPs to both flash and pattern stimulation.
- All infants demonstrated normal ERGs.
- Visually mediated behavior normalized between 3 and 8 months of age in all children (mean 5.5 months).
- Five patients experienced delays in other developmental areas.
Conclusions:
- Normal ERGs and VEPs are characteristic findings in infants with DVM.
- VEPs are valuable tools for establishing a visual prognosis in DVM.
- DVM can be a transient condition, but associated developmental delays may persist.