RELATION BETWEEN NEUROLOGICAL STATUS, REFRACTIVE ERROR, AND VISUAL-ACUITY IN CHILDREN - A CLINICAL-STUDY

The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the refractive st atus and visual acuity of a group of r5 neurologically impaired childr en (5 to 192 months of age); and (2) to investigate the relation betwe en the visual and neurological status of these children. Refractive er ror was determined using non-cycloplegic near retinoscopy and visual a cuity was estimated using acuity cards (Keeler or Cardiff) and pattern -onset visual evoked potentials (VEP). Subjects demonstrated a markedl y different distribution of refractive error from that of a neurologic ally normal age-matched population. Refractive error anomalies were mo re prevalent in children older than 5 years, suggesting abnormal refra ctive development. A wide range of visual acuity was found with both t ests (acuity cards, 0.07 to 2.08 logMAR; VEP, 0.78 to 2.68 logMAR). Vi sual acuity and refractive status varied with level and type of physic al impairment. Level of intellectual impairment exhibited a weak relat ion with visual status.