What is cortical visual impairment?

Also known as: CVI, cerebral visual impairment, neurological visual impairment, brain damage related to vision and others.

Vision is the result of complex processes of which the eyes are only one part. The processing of the visual information (interpretation and translation into visual images) occurs in many parts of the brain.

Temporary or permanent vision problems that occur because of injury or damage to the brain areas responsible for vision (as opposed to problems with the eyes) is known as cortical visual impairment.

The degree may range from severe visual impairment to total blindness. It is often associated with developmental delay and/or cerebral palsy.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM