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Experiencing the World with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI)

by | Mar 1, 2026 | Manuscripts | 0 comments

S.B. Vishnupriyiaa, M. Optom Graduate

The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, Chennai, India

 

Vision is not just about the eyes; it is about how the brain processes what the eyes see. For individuals with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), the world looks different from what most people experience. CVI is a neurological visual impairment caused by damage to the brain’s visual pathways, making it difficult to interpret and respond to visual stimuli. (1)

Unlike traditional vision loss, where clarity depends on the health of the eyes, CVI affects how the brain organises, understands, and reacts to what is seen. This creates a unique way of perceiving the world, leading to challenges in recognising faces, objects, and navigating environments. (1)

 

Understanding CVI

CVI is the leading cause of childhood Visual Impairment (VI) in many developed countries. It results from conditions such as oxygen deprivation at birth, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), strokes, and infections affecting the brain. (2) Unlike ocular blindness, individuals with CVI may have normal eye function but still struggle with visual attention, recognition, and interpretation. (2)

 

How CVI Shapes Perception?

Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) alters not the eyes, but the brain’s ability to interpret visual information. The result is a world that may be seen, yet not fully understood.

1. Blurry or Fragmented Vision

For individuals with CVI, objects and people may appear blurry, incomplete, or disorganized due to difficulty processing visual details. (3-7)

2. Difficulty Recognising Faces and Objects

Face blindness (prosopagnosia) is common in CVI. Recognising objects can also be difficult, especially in cluttered settings. (3-7)

Figure 1: This image shows various shapes which often create confusion for patients with CVI

Image Courtesy: https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/top-view-geometric-shapes_12227656.htm

3. Poor Depth Perception

CVI affects depth perception, making it hard to judge distances, impacting tasks such as pouring liquids, stepping off curbs, or reaching for objects. (3-7)

4. Visual Overload and Crowding

Busy environments can be overwhelming due to visual crowding, making it difficult to focus on specific objects. (3-7)

5. Fluctuating Vision

CVI vision varies based on fatigue, lighting, and stress, making daily activities unpredictable. (3-7)

 

Helping Individuals with CVI

Effective intervention in CVI is not about strengthening the eyes, but about simplifying visual demands and creating structured, predictable visual experiences.

  • Reduce Clutter: Keep environments simple and organised (8)
  • Use High Contrast: Bright, high-contrast objects improve visibility (8)
  • Encourage Multi-Sensory Learning: Touch, sound, and movement reinforce understanding (8)

 

Conclusion

CVI changes how people see and interact with the world. By understanding how CVI affects perception and applying supportive strategies, caregivers, educators, and society can help those with CVI navigate their surroundings with confidence. Seeing the world through the lens of CVI challenges our traditional views on vision and reminds us that perception is not just about the eyes, it is about the brain.

References

  1. Dutton, G. N., & Bax, M. C. (2010). Visual impairment in children due to damage to the brain. Mac Keith Press.
  2. Bauer, C. M., van Sorge, A. J., Bowman, R., & Boonstra, F. N. (2022). Editorial: Cerebral visual impairment, visual development, diagnosis, and rehabilitation.
  3. Pehere, N., Chougule, P., & Dutton, G. N. (2018). Cerebral visual impairment in children: Causes and associated ophthalmological problems. Indian journal of ophthalmology.
  4. Bennett, R. G., Tibaudo, M. E., Mazel, E. C., & Y, N. (2025). Implications of cerebral/cortical visual impairment on life and learning: insights and strategies from lived experiences.
  5. Ortibus, E., Laenen, A., Verhoeven, J., De Cock, P., & Casteels, I. (2019). Visual perception and early brain injury in children with cerebral palsy: Relationship with neurodevelopmental and motor function outcomes. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
  6. Roman-Lantzy, C. (2018). Cortical visual impairment: An approach to assessment and intervention. American Foundation for the Blind.
  7. Van Genderen, M., Dekker, M., & Pilon, F. (2012). Cortical visual impairment in children: A practical guide for education and support. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness.
  8. Lueck, A. H., & Dutton, G. N. (2015). Vision and the brain: Understanding cerebral visual impairment in children.

 

 

About the Author

S.B. Vishnupriyiaa

M. Optom Graduate
The Sankara Nethralaya Academy, Chennai, India

 

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