10 Early Clues Your Child Might Have Cortical Visual Impairment

September is CVI Awareness Month, a time to shed light on a common condition that often goes unrecognized: cortical visual impairment (CVI). Many families have never heard of it until they start searching for answers on their own. Because the signs don’t always resemble typical vision problems, it can be easy to miss. 

Some children respond more readily to movement than to faces. Others seem drawn to lights, reflections, or bold colors instead of toys or people. As a parent, you know your child’s patterns better than anyone else, so when something seems a little off, it’s natural to wonder what they’re really seeing. In some cases, these behaviors are connected to CVI, where the eyes may be healthy, but the brain processes visual information in an unexpected way.  

The connection between seeing and understanding isn’t always straightforward. Because CVI can look so different from child to child, it’s often overlooked or mistaken for something else. 

In this blog, we’ll share ten signs parents often notice early on, along with answers to questions about what CVI is, how it’s diagnosed, and what support can look like. If any of this feels familiar, our office is always here to talk through what you’re seeing and help guide you through your next steps. 

What Is Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)? 

Cortical visual impairment, or CVI, is a condition where the brain has trouble making sense of the images sent from the eyes. This isn’t a problem with the eyes themselves. Vision might appear fine during a standard eye exam, but the signals aren’t processed in a typical way. 

CVI can exist on its own, or it can be seen alongside other conditions like cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or developmental delays. It can also affect children who don’t show any other medical concerns. Because CVI doesn’t always follow a single pattern, it can be hard to recognize, even for professionals. Still, it’s one of the most common causes of visual impairment in children living in developed countries. 

Why Early Diagnosis Helps 

When CVI goes unrecognized, children may miss out on support that could help them grow, learn, and connect with others. Visual processing affects far more than reading or identifying shapes. It plays a role in attention, social interaction, and motor development, too. 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for CVI, but early support makes a real difference. With the help of specialists, vision teachers, and school-based accommodations, children with CVI can build skills that help them participate fully in daily life. Many families also find that, over time, their child’s visual function improves as they learn new ways to process and respond to what they see. 

10 Common Signs of CVI in Infants and Young Children 

Every child’s experience with CVI is different. Some signs may be subtle. Others might only show up in specific situations. While no single behavior confirms a diagnosis, spotting a few of the signs below might be a reason to reach out to your child’s doctor or eye care provider. 

1. Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact 

Some children with CVI may not look directly at people or objects. They might consistently look past someone’s face, avoid eye contact, or seem uninterested in looking at familiar things. 

2. Delayed visual responses 

It may take extra time for a child with CVI to notice something in front of them. Movement or bright lighting can help, but still, their response may feel slower or inconsistent. 

3. Preference for light or shiny objects 

You might see your child staring at ceiling lights, windows, or reflective surfaces. These types of visual input often stand out more than toys or books for children with CVI. 

4. Strong preference for certain colors, especially red or yellow 

Children with CVI may be drawn to high-contrast or vivid colors. You may notice that they pay more attention to red or yellow objects and ignore others entirely. 

5. Difficulty recognizing familiar faces or objects 

Even familiar people or toys may go unrecognized unless there’s movement or sound involved. A parent might need to speak or shake a toy to help their child identify it. 

6. Trouble with crowded or cluttered environments 

Busy scenes, like a toy bin or a room full of people, can be overwhelming. A child with CVI might not be able to pick out a single item or person in the mix. 

7. Use of peripheral vision instead of direct gaze 

Some children turn their heads or look “out of the corner of their eye.” This can be a way of compensating for how their brain processes visual information. 

8. Fluctuating vision throughout the day 

Visual behavior may change depending on how tired a child is, how bright the room is, or how calm they’re feeling. Some days might be easier than others. 

9. Better vision with movement or sound cues 

Adding sound or motion, like tapping an object or using a toy that makes noise, can help a child notice what’s in front of them. Stillness can be harder for them to interpret. 

10. History of neurological complications 

Children born prematurely or those who have had seizures, infections, or hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII, a lack of oxygen to the brain) may be more likely to develop CVI. In fact, research shows that CVI is present in more than half of children with HII. 

FAQs About Cortical Visual Impairment 

Because CVI doesn’t always show up on a typical vision screening, families often have questions once it’s mentioned. Below are some of the most common ones we hear, along with straightforward answers to help you better understand the condition and what to expect. 

What causes CVI? 

Cortical visual impairment is often linked to neurological injury or conditions that affect the brain. The most common cause is hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII), when the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. Other causes can include infections, brain malformations, traumatic injury, or complications related to premature birth. 

How is CVI diagnosed? 

There isn’t a single test for CVI. Diagnosis usually involves reviewing medical history, observing behaviors, and ruling out problems with the eyes themselves. Pediatric ophthalmologists, neurologists, and vision specialists may all play a role. An MRI can sometimes provide helpful information, but it isn’t always required for diagnosis. 

What does a child with CVI actually see? 

That depends on the child. Vision with CVI can be unpredictable; some children may see normally in one setting and struggle in another. It’s not always about how clearly they see, but how their brain is able to make sense of visual input. 

Is CVI the same as being legally blind? 

Not always. Some children with CVI meet the criteria for legal blindness, while others do not. It depends on how the condition affects their ability to use vision in daily life. 

Do kids grow out of CVI? 

CVI doesn’t go away, but many children learn to adapt and develop better visual function over time. With early support and the right strategies, their ability to interpret and respond to visual input can improve in meaningful ways. 

Create a Clearer Path Forward with Oxford Family Vision Care 

If you’ve noticed a few of these signs or still have questions about what your child might be seeing, you don’t have to sort through it alone. Our office takes the time to understand each child’s needs, and we work closely with families to help them find answers and get connected with specialists when needed. 

We’re here to support you, whether you’re looking for a full evaluation or just want to talk through what you’ve been noticing. Schedule your visit and let’s take the next step together.