Cortical blindness, also referred to as cerebral visual impairment (CVI) or blindsight, is a neurological condition characterized by partial or total loss of vision in a healthy eye due to damage in the visual processing areas of the brain, specifically the occipital cortex, which is responsible for interpreting visual stimuli.
Table of contents
- Causes and Risk Factors of Cortical Blindness
- Symptoms of Cortical Blindness
- Diagnosing Cortical Blindness
- Living with this Vision Impairment
- Neurological Origin of Blindness
- Is there Any Treatment for Cortical Blindness?
- How Can I, as a Parent, Help My Kid who has Cortical Blindness?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Causes and Risk Factors of Cortical Blindness
It is most often caused by vascular events in the brain (cerebrovascular insult) in the elderly population. However, it can also arise due to certain infections in much younger people, also in infants. It can either be transient or permanent, depending on the severity and etiology.
While it is more of a neurological rather than an ophthalmological issue, it is an interesting condition that we feel worth sharing a few words with you.
Some common causes include:
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to cell damage and potential loss of function in the affected area, including the visual cortex.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Severe head injuries resulting from accidents or falls can lead to damage in the brain, including the visual processing areas.
- Brain Tumors: Tumors in or near the occipital cortex can exert pressure on the brain, causing visual disturbances and blindness.
- Brain Infections: Infections like encephalitis or meningitis can damage brain tissue, including the visual processing centers.
- Neurological Disorders: Conditions like cerebral palsy, Rett syndrome, or epilepsy may also lead to cortical blindness.
- Other: Other possible causes also include hyperammonemia, a side effect of some anti-epileptic drugs, and eclampsia, although it is worth noting that isolated cortical blindness caused by those conditions is extremely rare.
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Symptoms of Cortical Blindness
The symptoms one is experiencing range from a complete loss of all visual sensations on one side of the spectrum, or isolated losses of specific visual sensation aspects (such as visual fixation or the ability to track) on the other.
Some people can also experience frank visual hallucinations, and in some extremely rare instances, people might have no insight into their visual loss – referred to as visual anosognosia.
Diagnosing Cortical Blindness
Diagnosing cortical blindness requires a comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist or an ophthalmologist. Specialized tests, such as visual evoked potentials (VEP) or MRI scans, help identify any abnormalities in the brain’s visual processing centers.
Living with this Vision Impairment
Coping with cortical blindness can be a daunting experience for affected individuals. Tasks that were once effortless, like walking or recognizing familiar surroundings, become challenging and require considerable adaptation. However, the brain’s incredible ability to rewire itself, known as neuroplasticity, allows some individuals to develop compensatory strategies over time.
Assistive devices, such as canes and guide dogs, can help those with cortical blindness navigate their surroundings safely. Additionally, certain rehabilitation techniques, like vision therapy and sensory substitution devices, aim to stimulate the remaining intact visual pathways or use other senses to supplement vision.
How Can we Make the Lives of Individuals with Cortical Blindness Better?
Support and understanding from family, friends, and the broader community play a crucial role in helping individuals with cortical blindness lead fulfilling lives. Educating others about the condition can reduce misconceptions and foster a more inclusive environment.
Neurological Origin of Blindness
Physicians will suspect cortical blindness in patients who are objectively blind and in whom no abnormalities are found during an extensive ophthalmological examination.
One important sign of isolated damage to the visual cortex is an intact pupillary reflex. Since the loss of vision is neurological in origin, the patient will sometimes be able to name the color and shape of an object, but no other details that would help them identify what the object is, or the actual name of the object.
Is there Any Treatment for Cortical Blindness?
The prognosis depends very much on the cause that leads to the development of cortical blindness. As no specific treatment exists, favorable outcomes can be expected in instances that were caused by somewhat reversible causes (eclampsia, a side effect of some anti-epileptic drugs).
In those that suffered extensive damage to the occipital cortex (massive cerebrovascular event or head trauma), the outcome is less favorable. That being said, some promising research published recently shows that more specific treatment options for cortical blindness could be possible in the future.
How Can I, as a Parent, Help My Kid who has Cortical Blindness?
Parenting a child with cortical blindness requires understanding, patience, and adaptability. Seek guidance from professionals, educate yourself about the condition, and embrace early intervention services. Foster independence, create a safe environment, and use multi-sensory approaches to stimulate development.
Encourage social interaction, advocate for inclusivity in education and recreation, and join support networks. Celebrate achievements and be patient with progress. Embrace the journey with love and support, cherishing every moment with your unique and remarkable child.
More Useful Tips for Parents or Caregivers
Incorporating opportunities for your child with cortical visual impairment (CVI) to use their vision in everyday life is crucial:
– Keep a familiar object with your child throughout the day allows them to recognize it in different environments.
– To maximize their vision, create spaces free of distractions and visual clutter, providing an all-black background to emphasize brightly colored objects.
– Keep visual sessions short and frequent, as children with CVI may tire easily.
– Be patient, as they may need time to respond visually.
– Start with simple, highly saturated colors and moving objects, using light to draw their attention.
– Proper positioning, such as lying on their back or being held in a sitting position, can enhance their ability to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cortical blindness, also referred to as cerebral visual impairment (CVI) or blindsight, is a neurological condition characterized by partial or total loss of vision in a healthy eye due to damage in the visual processing areas of the brain, specifically the occipital cortex, which is responsible for interpreting visual stimuli.
Common causes include stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), brain tumours, brain infections, neurological disorders, and others.
The symptoms one is experiencing range from a complete loss of all visual sensations on one side of the spectrum or isolated losses of specific visual sensation aspects (such as visual fixation or the ability to track) on the other.
Parenting a child with cortical blindness requires understanding, patience, and adaptability. Seek guidance from professionals, educate yourself about the condition, and embrace early intervention services. Foster independence, create a safe environment, and use multi-sensory approaches to stimulate development.