OP37 – 2994: Visual function and neurodevelopment: A new assessment tool and clinical perspectives

Abstract

Objective The role of vision in human development has long been recognized. Research supports the importance of visual function and its role in early neuromotor, cognitive, and emotional development. Visual impairments in paediatric age constitute a major world health problem, so there is an increased interest in evaluating newborn visual function developing tailored instruments. Methods We propose a clinical instrument called “NAVEG” (Neonatal Assessment Visual European Grid) designed to assess visual function in newborns, improving identification of newborns at risk of visual impairment. We evaluated NAVEG in a group of 80 healthy term infants born between 37 and 42 GA, free of major diseases and 80 preterms with a gestational age ≤34 weeks. Results NAVEG turned out to be a reproducible, easily administered, quick (average 10′) and non-invasive tool. Our data have highlighted different profile features between the two groups in all components analyzed. Preterms show a different visual profile than term infants, particularly those with brain lesions. NAVEG showed a good discrimination power between healthy and pathological preterms in relationship to neurologic/neuroimaging data. Conclusion The development of a method of evaluation of visual function in the neonatal period, with particular attention to those with higher risks, is therefore of utmost importance, as it may to lead to early diagnosis and therefore to implement a rehabilitation plan at a time where the child's brain shows the highest degree of plasticity. This would have a positive impact not only on functional vision outcome, but on all adaptive functions.