Measuring visual fields in children with cerebral visual impairment using Baby Vision Screener.

PURPOSE: This retrospective study was undertaken to (1) determine the feasibility and reliability of Baby Vision Screener (BaViS) and (2) to test and identify visual field defects in children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI).

METHODS

An in-house developed device, BaViS, was used to test the visual fields. A total of 32 children (mean age: 6.3 ± 3.2 years and range: 11 months to 14 years) with CVI were included after their medical records were reviewed (from June 2021 to October 2023). Kinetic perimetry was done using BaViS in all these children to plot the visual field isopter. Different tools were used for measuring visual acuity and contrast sensitivity as appropriate.

RESULTS

Most children (91%, n = 29/32) were testable, and large majority (72%, n = 21/29) had reliable visual field isopters plotted with BaViS. Of the children with reliable visual field results, 38% had visual field defects, either in isolation or with other visual function deficits. Generalized field extent reduction and inferior visual field reduction were the most common visual field defect patterns. 62% of children had visual impairment in more than one visual function domain.

CONCLUSIONS

BaViS shows good potential to be used for quantifying visual fields even in younger children with CVI. About two-fifths of the children with CVI in our test cohort showed visual field defects. Measuring visual fields, along with other visual functions, will be important for managing children with CVI.