Visual Impairment and Functional Classification in Children with Cerebral Palsy
M Rauchenzauner1,2, K Schiller1, M Honold2
1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Kliniken Ostallgäu-Kaufbeuren, Kaufbeuren, Germany.
Insights
Visual impairment (VI) affects over half of children with cerebral palsy (CP) and is linked to motor function. Early eye assessments are crucial for children with CP to detect VI and ensure timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a prevalent childhood motor disorder.
- CP frequently presents with diverse comorbidities.
- Limited data exists on visual impairment (VI) and functional classification in CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of VI in children with CP.
- To explore the association between VI and motor function classifications (GMFCS, BFMF).
Main Methods:
- Hospital-based study.
- Reviewed records of 200 children diagnosed with CP.
- Aged 2 to 17 years.
Main Results:
- VI identified in 59.5% of children with CP, a higher prevalence than in non-CP children.
- Correlation found between VI severity and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF).
- Severe CP associated with increased risk of severe VI, particularly cerebral VI.
Conclusions:
- Visual impairment is a significant issue in children with CP, linked to motor function.
- Detailed ophthalmologic and orthoptic evaluations are recommended for early intervention in CP patients.
Background:
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor impairment in childhood and often accompanied by a broad spectrum of comorbidities. Data are sparse concerning visual impairment (VI) and functional classification among CP children.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of VI among children with CP and to investigate a possible association between VI and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF).
Methods:
In this hospital-based study, records of 200 children with CP aged 2 to 17 years were reviewed.
Results:
Overall, VI was found in 59.5% of children with CP. Prevalence of VI was higher when compared with non-CP children. A correlation between GMFCS as well as BFMF and severity of VI was found. Children with severe CP were at greater risk for severe VI, especially cerebral VI compared with children with mild CP.
Conclusion:
VI is a significant problem in children with CP and is correlated with motor function. Children with CP should undergo detailed ophthalmologic and orthoptic assessment to enable early intervention.
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