CVI stands for Cortical Visual Impairment. It refers to a visual condition characterized by a decreased or impaired visual response due to damage in the visual processing areas of the brain, namely the occipital lobe or the visual cortex. Individuals with CVI often have intact eyes and do not exhibit abnormalities in the structure of their eyes. The impairment lies in how their brain interprets and processes visual information received through the eyes.
CVI typically manifests as a range of visual challenges, including difficulties with visual acuity, visual field, visual recognition, depth perception, and visual attention. Individuals with CVI may experience various symptoms such as reduced visual acuity, sensitivity to light, color discrimination difficulties, poor depth perception, challenges with recognizing faces or objects, and trouble focusing or attending to visual stimuli.
Causes of CVI can vary and may include prenatal brain abnormalities, brain injury or trauma, hypoxia, infections, or genetic factors. The exact extent of visual impairment and associated symptoms can vary widely among individuals with CVI, as it depends on the location and severity of the brain damage.
Treatment for CVI usually involves a multidisciplinary approach, including visual stimulation therapy, environmental modifications, and educational interventions. By providing appropriate visual experiences and maximizing their remaining visual abilities, individuals with CVI can make significant progress in their visual functioning and overall quality of life.
