Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
Published on: July 9, 2016
Visual function correlates with neurodevelopment in a population cohort of school-aged children born extremely
Sigrid Hegna Ingvaldsen1,2, Tor Ivar Hansen1, Asta K Håberg1,3
1Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Insights
Visual function was impaired in school-aged children born extremely preterm, correlating with neurodevelopmental challenges. These findings suggest vision may indicate overall developmental outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Extremely preterm birth poses significant risks for neurodevelopmental and visual impairments.
- Long-term outcomes require ongoing investigation in population-based cohorts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess visual function and neurodevelopment in school-aged children born extremely preterm.
- To explore the relationship between visual function and broader neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 65 extremely preterm children born in Central Norway (2006-2011) was identified, with 36 included for assessment.
- Evaluations included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity, parent-reported challenges, and comprehensive neuropsychological testing.
- Brain MRI was performed on all participants.
Main Results:
- Subnormal visual acuity and reduced contrast sensitivity were observed, particularly in those with retinopathy of prematurity.
- Parent-reported challenges in learning, executive functions, motor skills, and perception correlated negatively with visual acuity.
- Neuropsychological test results were generally reduced compared to normative data, despite no MRI-verified preterm brain injury.
Conclusions:
- Visual function was subnormal in this cohort of extremely preterm children.
- Impaired visual function correlated with parent-reported neurodevelopmental challenges.
- Visual function may serve as a potential marker for neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm individuals.
Aim:
To investigate visual function and neurodevelopment in a geographically defined population cohort of school-aged children born extremely preterm.
Methods:
All children born extremely preterm in Central Norway between 2006 and 2011 (n=65) were identified, and 36 (median age, min/max: 13, 10/16) were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity (four spatial frequencies), parent-reported challenges and neuropsychological testing in learning, executive functions, motor skills, perception, reaction time, working and visual memory, processing speed, and pattern separation were measured. Brain MRI (3T) was acquired and read by a neuroradiologist.
Results:
Median (min/max) BCVA letter score was 85 (35/91) in the better and 82 (13/89) in the worse eye. ROP participants (n=7) had lower contrast sensitivity in the two highest spatial frequencies (p = 0.024 and p = 0.004). Parent-reported challenges correlated negatively with BCVA (learning: p = 0.014; executive functions: p = 0.002; motor skills: p = 0.000; and perception: p = 0.001), while motor skills correlated negatively with one (p = 0.010) and perception with two (p = 0.003 and p = 0.009) of four spatial frequencies. Neuropsychological tests were reduced relative to norms. None had MRI-verified preterm brain injury.
Conclusion:
Visual function was subnormal and correlated with parent-reported challenges in a small cohort of extremely preterm school-aged children, indicating that visual function may be a marker of neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Visual System
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...
01:24Vision
01:12Visual Agnosia