What Is Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)?


The resulting visual impairment is considered a cerebral or cortical visual impairment (CVI).

CVI is also known as neurological visual impairment, traumatic brain injury, and brain-damage-related visual impairment. CVI may be temporary or permanent.


How Is CVI Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of CVI is made when an ophthalmologist reports normal eye anatomy, yet the child is exhibiting signs of vision loss. An MRI of the brain will usually confirm neurological or anatomy irregularities.

Are There Treatments for CVI?

There may be treatments for the underlying causes of CVI. Regarding vision only, it is thought that CVI can improve over time.

How Would You Describe the Eyesight of One with CVI and How Will My Child Function with It?

The degree of vision loss may be mild or severe and can vary greatly, even from day to day.

People with cerebral/cortical visual impairment have difficulty using or understanding what their eyes see. For example, they may have trouble recognizing faces, interpreting drawings, perceiving depth, or distinguishing between background and foreground. Children with cerebral or cortical visual impairment are often able to see better when told in advance what to look for. Additionally, many with CVI can see better when the target object is moving.

Children with CVI may have sensitivity to light or may fixate on light, may have poor depth perception, and may have better peripheral vision than central vision.


You may learn your child has difficulty recognizing facial expressions, accessing information in a cluttered environment, identifying images or letters when your child is stationary or the visual target is stationary, using vision for extended periods of time, utilizing the central field of vision, or difficulty traveling safely. Your child may benefit from travel training from the mobility specialist, increased contrast of the environment, increased contrast of print by using a CCTV or screen-magnification software, increased or varied room and task lighting, decreased visual clutter, head support and breaks from using vision, presenting objects in your child’s peripheral field of vision, and presenting a moving object for optimal viewing.

Your child may also be taught to complete tasks without use of vision. Your child may be taught braille, use of screen-reading software to use the computer, and other techniques for performing life skills and academic tasks.

Resources for Families of Children with CVI