Imagine your eyes are fantastic cameras, capturing images perfectly—only to have your brain say, “Nope, not today.” That’s kind of what happens with Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), a visual disorder caused by brain processing issues rather than eye problems.
What Is CVI?
CVI is the leading cause of visual impairment in children in developed countries. It happens when the part of the brain responsible for interpreting visual information (the visual cortex) doesn’t work properly. Unlike traditional eye issues, the eyes may be perfectly healthy, but the brain can’t make sense of what they see.
Why Should You Care?
Because CVI is often misunderstood or overlooked, many kids and adults don’t get the support they need. Recognizing CVI can be a game-changer—opening doors to tailored strategies that help individuals navigate and enjoy their world more fully.
Signs to Watch For
-
Difficulties recognizing faces or objects
-
Preference for moving or high-contrast visuals
-
Confusing visual environments or cluttered spaces
-
Reduced visual attention or fatigue with visual tasks
What You Can Do
Awareness is the first step! Educating teachers, parents, and caregivers about CVI can lead to better accommodations, like simplified visual environments or specialized teaching methods. And, of course, early intervention and collaboration with vision specialists can make all the difference.
The Bright Side
While CVI presents unique challenges, many individuals adapt remarkably well, especially with the right support. Celebrating CVI Awareness Month means shining a spotlight on this brain-based visual disorder—and reminding everyone that seeing the world differently doesn’t mean seeing it less beautifully.
Visit the Perkins School for the Blind website to learn more: Getting Started with CVI Assessments