Brain Pathway Malfunctions Increasingly Causing Vision Problems in Pediatric Patients

Impaired vision in children doesn’t always happen because of issues related directly to the eye and can instead be caused by incorrect brain pathways. The American Academy of Pediatrics has published a new clinical report, “Diagnosis and Care of Children With Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment,” in the December 2024 Pediatrics (published online Nov. 19). The report examines the leading cause of pediatric visual impairment: issues within the patient’s brain. Cerebral/cortical visual impairment occurs when pathways in the brain that help in visual function do not work properly, leading to impacted vision that cannot be explained by any eye problems present. There are a variety of reasons this can happen, from lack of oxygen to the brain during birth to head trauma and seizures. The issue is particularly prominent in developing nations such as South India, where 44% of children younger than age 3 with visual impairments have been diagnosed with cerebral/cortical visual impairment. Diagnosis can also be delayed if the patient lives with other physical or mental conditions such as cerebral palsy. This data has raised concern among study authors who stressed the importance of early detection. The AAP recommends that pediatricians familiarize themselves with the condition and its causes, improve communication within the patient’s healthcare team and support research on cerebral/cortical visual impairment so screening, diagnosis and treatment can improve. 

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.