Cortical Visual Impairment

Vision loss caused by the brain rather than the eyes

Overview

Cortical or cerebral visual impairment is reduced vision caused by damage to the visual pathways and processing areas of the brain, while the eyes themselves may be structurally normal. It is a leading cause of visual impairment in children in developed countries. Common causes include brain injury around birth from lack of oxygen, prematurity, hydrocephalus, infections, and genetic conditions. Children may show variable vision, preference for certain colors, difficulty with cluttered scenes, and delayed visual responses. Support focuses on adapting the environment and educational approaches.