Visual perceptive functioning in Japanese schoolchildren born with very low birth weight

Area of Science:

• Developmental Pediatrics
• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Assessing visual perception in children born with very low birth weight (<1500g) is crucial for early intervention.
• Previous research has not specifically evaluated this population in Japan using standardized tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the visual perception skills of Japanese schoolchildren born weighing <1500g using the Wide-range Assessment of Vision-related Essential Skills (WAVES).
• To identify potential associations between clinical history and visual perception outcomes in this cohort.

Main Methods:

• The study included 38 first-grade schoolchildren born weighing <1500g at two Japanese hospitals.
• WAVES subtest and index scores were compared to a normative database of typically developing schoolchildren.
• Clinical history, including gestational age and chronic lung disease, was analyzed for associations with WAVES performance.

Main Results:

• Children born weighing <1500g demonstrated significantly lower scores in several WAVES subtests, including form tracing, figure-ground speed, visual memory, and copying.
• Processing speed indices were generally lower in the very-low birth weight group compared to controls.
• Lower scores in line tracing and eye-hand coordination were observed in those born before 28 weeks gestation, and poorer copying was linked to chronic lung disease.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to report on the visual perception of Japanese schoolchildren born weighing <1500g.
• Findings suggest that very-low birth weight children may have deficits in visual processing speed, potentially impacting academic performance.
• Early identification and support are recommended for these children to mitigate risks of learning disabilities.