Cryptic cerebral visual impairment in children.

AIM: To review the medical records of seven children with a delayed diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment.

METHODS

The charts of a consecutive series of children examined in a university based ophthalmology clinic with a delayed diagnosis of cerebral visual impairment were reviewed. Their neuroimaging studies were evaluated by a paediatric neuroradiologist.

RESULTS

The seven patients ranged in age from 2 years to 10 years at the time of presentation and had acuities ranging from 20/40 to 20/400. Their visual fields ranged from full visual fields to homonymous hemianopias. Neuroimaging findings ranged from subtle occipital lobe abnormalities to obvious cerebral volume loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Cerebral visual impairment can be cryptic in children with mild visual impairment. Neuroimaging studies and visual field testing can help to differentiate this condition from other causes of visual impairment.