Neurological/ Brain-Based Visual Impairment (CVI)

While CVI is the most common cause of permanent visual impairment in children, research continues to evolve. It is important for caregivers, and providers to caregivers, seek input from experts. Here are articles that provide relevant and important background to help you learn more about CVI.

What is CVI?
This article from Perkins School for the Blind includes references from leading researchers (2015-2019). CVI is a brain-based visual impairment caused by damage to the visual pathways or visual processing areas of the brain. Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision. CVI is a lifelong brain-based visual impairment, caused by damage to the brain’s visual pathways or visual processing areas. For more click HERE.

What is CVI?
This article from American Printing House does not include specific references to research. Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is a neurological visual disorder. Vision loss or impairment due to brain injury or disease can occur at any point in the lifespan. CVI can be found in children who function at levels equivalent to typical peers as well as in children with mild to severe disability. The degree of neurological damage and CVI depends upon the time of onset, as well as the location and intensity of the damage. It is a condition that indicates the visual systems of the brain do not consistently interpret or understand what the eyes see. For more click HERE.

What Does CVI Look Like?
This article from Perkins School for the Blind does not include specific references to research. You may be worried by your child's unusual behaviors, but they may just be manifestations of CVI. Read about other common symptoms and why they occur. For more click HERE.

CVI: The Conversation Continues…
This article from American Printing House provides perspectives from leading researchers (2010-2013). Anyone who has spent time researching CVI knows that there are a variety of names and definitions for this neurological visual impairment. The fact that it is caused by an incident to the brain complicates the search for one definition because there is much that we still do not know about the brain. There is a need to organize what we currently understand about CVI leaving room for new information as it is researched and made available. For more click HERE.

photo: American Printing House