Neurovisual adaptations to subnormal vision in children.

Abstract

Neurovisual adaptations to subnormal vision in children are of practical importance and need to be remembered in the management of children with low vision. The physiological adaptations discussed include shortening the focal distance, abnormal head positions, compensatory head movements, and ocular motor search strategies. In addition the concept of neural plasticity, particularly in respect to the ability of the extrageniculate striaete system to assume primary visual function in cortically damaged children is discussed.