[Visually evoked potentials and visual acuity of the young child]

Interest in the development of visual acuity in young infants is increasing. At this age a reliable estimation of visual function is hazardous. This paper highlights the role of flash- and pattern evoked visual potentials. Flash evoked potentials are valuable in following development and/or recovery of visual acuity intra-individually as well as in providing an estimation of sensitiveness to light. Pattern evoked potentials may give an estimation of maturation of the visual system: these potentials also give an objective measurement of visual acuity.