In a groundbreaking announcement, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has shed light on cerebral or cortical visual impairment (CVI), a significant but often overlooked cause of vision problems in children. According to the NIH, CVI is rapidly emerging as a leading cause of visual impairment among children in the United States and other developed nations.

Recent estimates indicate that at least 3% of primary school children may be affected by CVI-related visual issues. These challenges can manifest in various ways, including difficulties in visually searching for objects or people and understanding scenes with complex movements. The implications of CVI are profound, with many children and parents struggling for years without receiving the help they need simply due to a lack of awareness.

Five Key Elements of CVI Defined

The NIH's panel of experts has identified five critical elements associated with CVI:

1. **Brain Involvement**: CVI stems from dysfunction in the brain's visual processing areas, rather than from issues with the eyes themselves.

2. **Visual Dysfunction Exceeding Eye Exam Results**: Children with CVI may show visual problems that are not evident during standard eye examinations.

3. **Variety of Visual Deficits**: These can include challenges with processing movement, identifying objects, and spatial awareness.

4. **Overlap with Other Neurological Disorders**: Recognizing CVI can be complicated by its similarity to other neurological conditions.

5. **Undiagnosed Cases**: Many instances of CVI go unnoticed, which can lead to significant delays in receiving necessary interventions.

Dr. Lotfi B. Merabet, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and co-author of the report, emphasized that a critical factor in misdiagnosing and leaving CVI untreated is the widespread lack of awareness. This ignorance often leaves families in the dark about their child's genuine visual impairments.

Building Awareness and Support

Dr. Melinda Y. Chang, another co-author and clinical ophthalmology expert, noted that improving awareness of CVI could significantly aid eye care professionals in identifying affected children sooner, enabling access to rehabilitation and support services earlier in their development.

In a concerted effort to tackle CVI, the National Eye Institute (NEI) is spearheading the creation of a registry to compile comprehensive data regarding CVI symptoms and signs. This crucial database aims to facilitate research that will establish best practices for diagnosis and rehabilitation for affected children.

Additionally, the report draws on insights from a workshop jointly hosted by the NEI, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Notably, a complementary report from the American Academy of Pediatrics has also been published, aiming to equip pediatricians with the knowledge to recognize CVI.

As Dr. Michael F. Chiang, director of the NEI, remarked, significant progress still lies ahead in optimizing diagnostic methodologies and rehabilitation strategies. This work is firmly prioritized within the NEI's strategic vision for improving the quality of life for those affected by CVI.

With these developments, parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek advice and support from healthcare professionals if they suspect their child may have CVI. Awareness is the first step toward ensuring that children receive the help they need to navigate their visual challenges effectively.