Reasons for Low Vision Development in Infants

It is through vision that an infant is able to perceive objects and make connections between the objects. Vision is important to childhood development because many infants learn various concepts through the use of their sight.

Effects

• An infant with low vision may have vision that is blurred, or she may have a loss of side or center vision. For example, the infant may be able to see things directly in front of them, but have little or no peripheral vision.

ROP

• According to the National Eye Institute, one cause of low vision in infants is retinopathy of prematurity. This condition is also called ROP. ROP is an eye disorder that mostly affects premature infants that weigh less than 2.5 lbs. The disorder can cause visual loss and lead to blindness.

Nystagmus

• The American Foundation for the Blind explains that nystagmus is another reason infants develops low vision. Nystagmus is caused by a problem with the visual pathway between the eye and brain.

Genes

• Some causes of low vision in infants are genetic. The most common vision impairment stemming from genetic disorders is albinism. In the case of albinism, the center of the retina fails to fully develop.

Considerations

• A child with low vision still has some usable vision. With the help of a low vision specialist the child can learn to use their remaining vision to the best of their abilities.