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End-to-End Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) in Delhi

Cerebral visual impairment is a common yet leading cause of visual impairment in children. Unlike a standard eye condition, CVI results from the brain’s challenges in understanding visual information, even though the eyes appear completely natural. With the right therapy for cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and complete support, children with CVI can make remarkable progress in both development and visual function.

However, in this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the details of therapy for cerebral visual impairment, from a quick overview to professional treatment. Additionally, this guide is well-suited for educators, parents, and professionals seeking to understand, manage, and effectively guide children with CVI.

Overview of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)

Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is also known as Cortical Visual Impairment. It is a brain-based visual impairment caused by severe damage to the visual pathways or processing centers, rather than the eyes themselves. Furthermore, it is a leading cause of pediatric vision impairment in developed countries. Thus, it often provides results from prenatal/perinatal hypoxia, infection, or stroke. When it comes to a child’s eyes, it is already very fragile and in the process of forming vision. However, CVI is all in the brain, not the eyes. CVI mainly affects babies and young children. Any damage to your brain’s visual impairment processing places can cause severe CVI.

As we all know, vision is different for everyone because what you see feels “absolutely normal” to you. Well! The same goes for kids. They may not be able to express that they are dealing with vision issues, but you might notice their unusual behaviors towards how they see, learn, and respond. It is imperative to have a clear conversation with their professional healthcare provider regarding the therapy for cerebral visual impairment (CVI) immediately. The sooner you act, the less CVI might affect your child’s growth and development.

Common Children’s Visual Concerns Parents Notice

In many instances, parents have realized that children are beginning to experience minor eye problems, even though the children may not vocalize them. When a child is looking intently at a screen, closing their eyes, or avoiding homework, this could be a warning sign of a possible eye problem. Early recognition enables timely eye check-ups and treatment, which are crucial for children's learning and building confidence.

Eye rubbing or frequent blinking
Sitting too close to the TV/mobile
Reading or viewing with the head tilted
Skipping words, missing lines
Complaining of headaches or eye strain
Redness, watering, or itching
Poor focus, slow progress in reading

CVI (Cortical Visual Impairment) in Older Children: What Should Parents Notice?

Some common signs include difficulty locating items in the surrounding environment, such as a game on a cluttered store shelf or a restroom sign. In some cases, a person may trip while walking, such as by missing a step or a curb, which could be a visible sign. In other instances, individuals are likely to have difficulty in distinguishing between certain letters that are close in appearance, like b and d, or i and l.

While children with CVI can see, they cannot make sense of what they see because the problem lies in how their brains process visual information. The encouraging thing is that the children can improve with appropriate treatment and therapy for cerebral visual impairment. Dr. Aabha Pradhan, having specialized training and lots of experience in CVI for children, assists doctors by:

Comprehensive evaluation of the child’s vision function is a necessity.
Ensure timely, appropriate vision therapies are provided.
Understanding the Causes of CVI: CVI is caused by brain damage.
Common signs: Difficulty in recognizing objects visually, difficulty in perceiving depth, and difficulty in attention.
Severity can vary from child to child, and assessment must always be tailored to each individual.
Early identification and appropriate strategies or visual supports can help a child develop better.

How Does CVI Impact Your Child’s Vision?

Notice the conditions that are mentioned below that might cause problems before opting for therapy for cerebral visual impairment:

1. Gaze Control

2. Visual Attention

3. Noticing Movement

4. Visual Analysis and Recognition

5. Visual Memory

6. Visually Directing Your Own Movements

7. Noticing What’s in front of you

8. Visual Field Limitations

9. Variable Vision

What are the Signs of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)?

It is natural for your child to struggle to express what they are dealing with and the visual problem they are facing. That is why here are some key signs to watch for in your child before opting for professional therapy for cerebral visual impairment (CVI).

1. Visual Latency

2. Color Preference

3. Attraction to Movement

4. Visual Field Preference

5. Struggling to Identify Objects in crowded or cluttered environments

6. Light Gazing/Photophobia

7. Limited Eye Contact

8. Not able to blink when an object approaches their eyes (Blink Reflex)

9. Difficulty with Novelty

10. Visual Fatigue

11. Inconsistent Vision

Imperative Causes of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)

Cerebral Visual Impairment results from brain damage impacting visual processing, rather than the eyes themselves. Furthermore, here are some severe causes of CVI that lead to professional therapy for cerebral visual impairment (CVI).

1. Cerebrovascular Accidents (Stroke)

2. Neonatal Seizures/Infantile Spasms

3. Hydrocephalus

4. Congenital Brain Malformations

5. Central Nervous System Infections

6. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

7. Neonatal Hypoglycemia

8. Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL

9. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

What are the Significant Benefits of Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) Therapy for Kids?

Therapy for cerebral visual impairment (CVI) for children can be a game-changer for those experiencing visual confusion or visual overload. Activities can become enjoyable for kids with proper guidance. Furthermore, check the significant benefits of professional therapy that enhance your child's vision:

1. Better Visual Attention & Recognition

The primary advantage of CVI therapy is that children gradually learn to attend to stimuli through high-contrast objects, backgrounds, and activities, thereby helping them understand "what to look at." Moreover, it helps them recognize faces, toys, books, and classroom materials.

2. Improved Daily Living Skills & Independence

As vision processing capacity increases, confidence in activities such as dressing, eating, walking, and playing increases. Regarding the physical space, CVI therapy includes strategies to make the child’s physical environment visually friendly. This includes strategies such as decluttering, proper lighting, and step-by-step visual instructions.

3. Reduced Anxiety & Sensory

Overwhelmed Children with CVI may also become stressed because of too many people in one place, bright lights, or too much visual stimulation. By receiving therapy, the child and their parents can increase their visual comfort. Thus, it ensures that there are no meltdowns.

Why Should You Choose Therapy for Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) at Nupal CDC?

Selecting therapy for cerebral visual impairment (CVI) at Nupal CDC is a smart decision because it not only improves the child’s vision but also supports their development. A child suffering from a visual impairment, or cerebral visual impairment, cannot fully process the visual information they are receiving. Meanwhile, parents are also assisted every step of the way to ensure steady progress at home. The focus of Nupal CDC is on improving the functional vision and making a real difference in daily life activities.

Nonetheless, here are some key reasons to choose Nupal CDC:

Assessment and therapy plans for the specific needs of CVI
Multi-disciplinary team support (vision, development focus)
Targeted work on the child's attention, tracking, and vision recognition
Play-based, engaging sessions for effective learning
Parent training with home program guidance
Progress monitoring with clear goals and updates
Support for school readiness and daily independence

CALL TODAY TO HAVE INITIAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY CONSULTATION (+91) 9910388103

Email: info@nupalcdc.com

Visit us: B-180 First Floor, Gujranwala Town Part 1, Delhi 110009, India

Book Free Consultation (+91) 99103 88103

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Questions

Questions and answers

Q1: Is Cerebral Visual Impairment a disability?

Ans: Yes, CVI is a hidden disability. As such, it is less conspicuous than, say, cerebral palsy, though nonetheless possibly quite disabling. This may cause frustration, daily struggles, and social difficulties.

Q2: Is Cerebral Visual Impairment permanent?

Ans: CVI is the most common cause of permanent visual impairment in children. It might be accompanied by other problems such as cerebral palsy and developmental delays, but fortunately, in many cases, it is possible to get partial recovery of vision.

Q3: What is the early stage of visual disability?

Ans: As vision loss may start to set in, common symptoms may include the following: 1. Blurry vision 2. Pain in the eyes 3. Floaters and flashes (dots or flashes of light before the eyes) 4. Light sensitivity/photophobia (discomfort with light) 5. Sudden loss of vision or sudden blackspots

Q4: What are the genetic disorders that cause CVI?

Ans: Genetic causes, so far, have not been the prime focus with regard to the causes of CVI, but in some cases, it has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders as well as chromosomal abnormalities, which are chromosome changes.