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Br J Ophthalmol 1998;82:1231-1235 doi:10.1136/bjo.82.11.1231
  • Original Article
    • Clinical science

Visual behaviours of neurologically impaired children with cerebral visual impairment: an ethological study

  1. G Porroa,
  2. E M Dekkerd,
  3. O Van Nieuwenhuizenb,
  4. D Wittebol-Posta,
  5. M B H Schilderd,
  6. A J F Schenk-Rootliebc,
  7. W F Treffersa
  1. aF C Donders Institute of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands, bDepartment of Child Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands, cDepartment of Pediatrics, Workgroup Infantile Encephalopathy, Utrecht University, Netherlands, dDepartment of Ethology and Socio-ecology, Faculty of Biology, Utrecht University, Netherlands
  1. Dr G Porro, Department of Ophthalmology, Utrecht University Hospital, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands.
  • Accepted 15 April 1998

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS Visual functions of neurologically impaired children with permanent cerebral visual impairment (CVI) can be difficult to determine. This study investigated the behavioural profile of CVI children by means of ethological observations in order to gain a better understanding of their visual functions.

METHODS Video registrations of nine subjects who were unable to undergo more orthodox methods of visual function testing were observed and analysed by an ethologist.

RESULTS A series of behaviours (direct signs) and supportive or confirming behavioural elements (indirect signs) indicating some visual perception in the children were found.

CONCLUSION Detailed ethological observations of visual behaviour were shown to be useful for analysing visual functions of children with permanent CVI.

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