CVI is recognized by the presence of a series of visual characteristics or behaviors observed in the individual as they attempt to interact with their environment, rather than by an acuity score on a typical eye test. Even though CVI is the leading cause of visual impairment in the pediatric population, it can still be easily missed by medical professionals whose education focused on ocular issues. Attaining an accurate diagnosis can be a complex process due to several factors. For one, the child may have a completely normal eye exam that does not capture their functional challenges. Many of these children also have other conditions that add complexity to determining what condition is causing the functional difficulties. CVI behaviors share commonalities with behaviors caused by other disorders like autism, ADHD, or cognitive impairment.
In order to be recognized, the family must find an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist familiar with CVI and its characteristics. In addition to these observable visual functioning behaviors, an MRI scan that reveals neurological damage or structural difference may, but does not always add physiological evidence to support diagnosis.
In general, there are three criteria that must be met for a diagnosis to be assigned by the medical professional:
- Presence of visual characteristics associated with CVI patients
- Medical history that indicates trauma to the brain has taken place
- Observed visual functioning difficulty cannot be explained by the results of a clinical eye exam
The key to accurate diagnosis of CVI is carefully researching and choosing a vision care professional who has demonstrated experience and expertise in the area of cerebral visual impairment, rather than going with one who may not have knowledge of or exposure to the condition previously to your entering their office.