Children with low vision face challenges that can impact various aspects of their daily lives. One area often affected is their postural control, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, stability, and overall physical well-being. What is more, understanding the intricate relationship between low vision and postural problems is essential for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to provide effective support and interventions for these children. In this blog post, we will discover the connection between low vision and postural issues in children, exploring the underlying factors and potential consequences, such as scoliosis.
What is Low Vision?
Low vision is a visual impairment that persists after receiving the recommended refractive corrections and has a visual acuity of less than 20/60. In other words, low vision describes visual impairment that cannot be treated with traditional eyeglasses, surgery, or medical procedures. A child may be born with poor eyesight, or they may lose their vision as they grow older.
Causes of Low Vision
Disease, injury, or damage to the eye or the brain’s visual centers can all result in low vision. A person with low vision must learn to live with it. However, there are various methods to support those who have limited eyesight so they may continue with activities that are important to them. Due to the possibility that a child’s symptoms might be caused by another physical or hereditary issue, low eyesight may not be recognized in children.
Evidence: Visual Impairment Linked to Postural Issues
There is evidence that children with visual impairments have problems with gait and balance. Furthermore, they also experience postural issues as a result of insufficient visual stimulation. What kinds of postural issues arise from low vision? Let’s find out.
Scientific Research
There was a study that included nine children with low vision in the study, namely five girls and four boys. Moreover, the average age was 12 years. The results led to the conclusion that the postural status was at a moderate level. Additionally, it was discovered that all of the kids with impaired eyesight had scoliosis.
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What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis happens when the spine twists and curves to the side. Although it may affect anybody, from infants to adults, it most frequently begins in youngsters between the ages of 10 and 15. Additionally, scoliosis can be improved with therapy, it is often not a symptom of anything dangerous, and if it is slight, treatment is not necessary.
Why Would Low Vision be the Cause of Scoliosis?
Scientists suggest that children develop impaired posture control systems to compensate for diminished sensory input caused by decreased visual stimulation. The impulses received by the visual cortex are interpreted and utilized to guide the body how to react. Messages from the brain are sent through the spinal cord. Having good posture helps the brain to ”communicate” to the spine quickly and without interruptions. Our senses, like sight, help the brain control our body.
Conclusion
In conclusion, addressing postural problems in children with low vision is crucial for their development. By understanding the connection between low vision and postural control and implementing early interventions, we can empower these children to improve their balance, stability, and motor skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low vision is a visual impairment that persists after receiving the recommended refractive corrections and has a visual acuity of less than 20/60. In other words, low vision describes visual impairment that cannot be treated with traditional eyeglasses, surgery, or medical procedures.
Scoliosis happens when the spine twists and curves to the side. Although it may affect anybody, from infants to adults, it most frequently begins in youngsters between the ages of 10 and 15.
Researchers found low vision can be the cause of scoliosis. children develop impaired posture control systems to compensate for diminished sensory input caused by decreased visual stimulation.
Sources:
Atasavun Uysal, S., Guven, Z., Kabak, V. Y., Yadigar, N., & Demircioglu, A. (2018). P 062 – Examination of postural problems in children with low vision: A pilot study. Gait & Posture, 65, 335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.06.214
What Is Low Vision? (2021, September 23). American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved September 1, 2022, from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/low-vision
What Is Childhood Low Vision? (2021, September 23). American Academy of Ophthalmology. Retrieved September 1, 2022, from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-childhood-low-vision