September marks Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on this often misunderstood condition. CVI is a brain-based vision impairment that affects how the brain interprets visual information, even when the eyes are healthy. It’s the leading cause of visual impairment in children and can have a significant impact on daily life. At Erin Ridge Vision Care, we are committed to increasing awareness and helping families better understand CVI, along with the resources available for effective care and management.
What is Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)?
Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) occurs when the brain struggles to process the information it receives from the eyes. Unlike traditional visual impairments, the problem lies in the brain’s pathways rather than the eyes themselves. People with CVI may have normal eye health but still experience vision issues because their brain cannot interpret what they see.
Early diagnosis and customized care plans can help improve visual function over time. Specialized therapy and regular eye exams are essential for managing CVI.
How is CVI different from other visual impairments?
CVI is unique because it’s not caused by an eye disorder. Instead, it stems from damage or disruption in the brain’s visual pathways. People with CVI may have difficulty recognizing faces, objects, or understanding depth, even though their eyes are healthy.
- Symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity of the brain injury.
- CVI often coexists with other neurological conditions, making diagnosis complex.
- Unlike other forms of vision loss, CVI may improve over time with therapy and intervention.
What are the common signs of CVI?
Identifying CVI early is important for effective treatment. Here are a few common signs to look out for:
- Delayed response to visual stimuli.
- Difficulty recognizing familiar objects or people.
- Preference for bright colors or light.
- Issues with depth perception or navigating spaces.
- Difficulty tracking moving objects.
Can therapy help improve vision in children with CVI?
Yes, therapy can play a significant role in helping children with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) improve their visual processing skills. With the right approach, children can experience notable progress in their ability to interpret visual information. Below are some ways therapy can be beneficial:
- Early intervention, sensory stimulation, and occupational therapy are crucial.
- Consistent, individualized therapy helps the brain form new neural connections, improving the child’s ability to process visual information.
- Vision therapy may focus on specific visual tasks, like object recognition, improving eye movement, and enhancing depth perception.
- Physical and occupational therapies often complement vision therapy to improve spatial awareness and coordination.
Cortical Visual Impairment can present unique challenges, but with the right support, children and adults can learn to navigate the world more easily. This CVI Awareness Month, Erin Ridge Vision Care encourages families to learn more about this condition and seek specialized care. If you suspect your child may have CVI, schedule an appointment with us today to begin the journey towards improved vision care and understanding. Let’s work together to make a difference for those living with CVI.
