How can I tell if my child might have cerebral visual impairment (CVI)?

Because CVI can be missed or misdiagnosed, it’s important for parents to be on the lookout for potential behaviors and traits. Note that many of these signs overlap with ocular causes of low vision, so an eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist is critical to distinguish between ocular and brain-based vision challenges. Here are some signs of CVI in babies and young children:

• Not tracking objects with their eyes
• Not making eye contact or looking at a parent’s face
• Delayed visual response (takes a few seconds to look at something)
• Staring at lights (also common in other ocular visual impairments)
• Preference for bright colors, high contrast, or bright lights, as these are easier to see with CVI

As children get older, other traits and behaviors might start to show up. For instance, how are they using their vision? Do they touch things before looking at them? Do they mistake strangers for familiar people? Are they struggling to make progress despite other interventions? If struggles persist, even when other conditions or diagnoses are being addressed, consider the possibility of CVI.

If you suspect your child might have CVI, check out this full list of behaviors to watch for.

You can find more information in our full article Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) 101.