Visual Impairment in Infants: Localizing the Lesion on a Clinical Basis

Abstract

Visual impairment in infants and small children differs significantly in underlying cause, clinical features, and therapeutic and prognostic implications from visual impairment which occurs during adult life. Areas of similarities and differences will be clarified. Visual impairment in infants and children arises from lesions of the globe, anterior visual pathways, posterior visual pathways, or a combination of these. Localization of the lesion rests on the recognition of certain clinical patterns that accompany lesions of each of these locations. This clinical recognition can obviate the need for much of the ancillary diagnostic testing. The major causes and general clinical features of visual impairment caused by lesions of the anterior and posterior visual pathways are provided and contrasted. Parental education, counseling, and support continue to be the most important areas in which the physician can help these children.