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Combining visual sensory functions and visuospatial orienting functions in children with visual pathology: A

Marlou J G Kooiker1, Hélène J M Verbunt2, Johannes van der Steen3

  • 1Vestibular and Oculomotor Research Group, Dept. Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Brain & Development
|October 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Visual sensory functions (VSF) and visuospatial orienting functions (VOF) show distinct developmental patterns in children with visual pathology. Comprehensive monitoring requires assessing both VSF and VOF for early detection and intervention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric ophthalmology
  • Developmental neuroscience
  • Visual psychophysics

Background:

  • Visual sensory functions (VSF) and visuospatial orienting functions (VOF) are crucial for cognitive development.
  • Visual processing relies on the integrity of the visual system and attentional allocation.
  • Understanding visual development in children with visual pathology is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantitatively assess visual sensory functions (VSF) and visuospatial orienting functions (VOF) over two years in children with visual pathology.
  • To identify distinct patterns of VSF and VOF development across different types of visual impairments.
  • To evaluate the complementary roles of VSF and VOF assessments in monitoring visual functioning.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal quantitative follow-up of 77 children aged 1-13 years with diverse visual pathologies.
  • Measurement of visual sensory functions (VSF) including visual acuity.
  • Assessment of visuospatial orienting functions (VOF) including reaction time, fixation duration, and accuracy.

Main Results:

  • VSF remained relatively stable, with exceptions in visual acuity. VOF showed prolonged reaction times, reduced fixation duration, and decreased accuracy compared to age norms.
  • Children with peripheral pathology exhibited abnormal VSF and VOF, with significant changes in visual acuity and fixation inaccuracy.
  • Children with central pathology generally had preserved VSF but often displayed delayed orienting reactions.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct quantitative patterns of VSF and VOF over time differentiate visual pathology groups.
  • VSF and VOF provide complementary information for a comprehensive assessment of visual functioning.
  • Combined VSF and VOF assessments are recommended for early and thorough monitoring of visual development in children.
Abstract

Keywords:
Central visual pathologyChildrenEye trackingLongitudinal studyPeripheral visual pathologyVisual orienting functionsVisual sensory functionsVisuospatial attention

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