Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)



What is Cortical Visual Impairment?
Cortical Visual Impairment is one of the most
common eye impairments seen in children. This
impairment is not caused by an eye condition. It is
caused by a disturbance in the visual pathway and
function in the brain. The impairment can leave a
person with minimal vision to no vision.
CVI can range from mild to server
CVI can range from temporary to permanent
Characteristics of CVI:
Characteristics can range from child to child.

Eye exam appears normal

Short visual attention span

Some light sensitivity

Light gazing

Close viewing of objects

Other neurological handicaps present

Looks away when reaching

Will listen rather than look
Some causes of Cortical Visual Impairments:

Head Injury

Brain Damage

Cerebral Tumor

Epilepsy

Malformation of the brain

Meningitis

Cardiac Arrest

Shunt Malfunction

Hypoxia/ Anoxia of the brain
Other Conditions associated with CVI:
 Cerebral Palsy
 Intellectual disability
 Hydrocephalus
 Microcephaly
Clinical Testing to diagnosis CVI:





ERG- Electroretinogram
EEG- Electroencephalography
VEP- Visual evoked potential
VEPM- Visual evoked potential mapping
FPL- Forced choice preferential looking
MRI- Magnetic resonance imaging positron
emission tomography
SPECT- Single photon emission computed
tomography
CT- Ultrasonography, computed tomography
Functional Vision Assessment:
Some children may benefit from a functional Vision
Assessment which can include the following:





informal observations
collection of anecdotal records
interviews with parents and significant others
formalized and structured observations
informal screening using standardized vision
screening materials
Instructional Strategies for Students with CVI:




High contrast and simple materials presented at
one time.
Bright lighting to help keep the child’s visual
attention
Use a multisensory sensory approach
Repetition and Routine
Treatment for CVI:
There may be a treatment for the underlying neurologic
disease, and should be followed by a doctor. The best
treatment for CVI is early intervention to help stimulate
visual development.
References:
AAP.AAPOS. (2010). AAPOS :: Cortical Visual Impairment. American Association for
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Retrieved July 01, 2010, from
http://www.aapos.org/faq_list/cortical_visual_impairment
Ame
Ame American Printing House for the Blind, Inc. (2010, March 2). What is CVI?
American Printing House for the Blind. Retrieved July 01, 2010, from
http://www.aph.org/cvi/define.html
Dem
DD Demchak, M., Rickard, C., & Elquist, M. (n.d.). Tips for home and school Cortical
Visual Impairment. University of Nevada, Reno. Retrieved January, 2003,
from http://www.unr.edu
Mor
Mo Morgan, S. (2002, July 30). Neurological Visual Impairment - Also Known as:
Cortical Visual Impairment, Delayed Visual Maturation, Cortical Blindness.
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Retrieved July 01, 2010,
from http://www.tsbvi.edu/Outreach/seehear/winter01/nvi.htm
Palm
Pal Palmer, C. (n.d.). CHILDREN WITH CORTICAL VISION IMPAIRMENT:
IMPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION (pp. 1-15, Rep.). School of Special
Education and Disability Studies. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
Charlotte Conner, Regan Marburger, Sarah Mays, Kelly Hill, Christy Moody