Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor impairment in childhood and often accompanied by a broad spectrum of comorbidities. Data are sparse concerning visual impairment (VI) and functional classification among CP children.
Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of VI among children with CP and to investigate a possible association between VI and Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF).
Methods: In this hospital-based study, records of 200 children with CP aged 2 to 17 years were reviewed.
Results: Overall, VI was found in 59.5% of children with CP. Prevalence of VI was higher when compared with non-CP children. A correlation between GMFCS as well as BFMF and severity of VI was found. Children with severe CP were at greater risk for severe VI, especially cerebral VI compared with children with mild CP.
Conclusion: VI is a significant problem in children with CP and is correlated with motor function. Children with CP should undergo detailed ophthalmologic and orthoptic assessment to enable early intervention.
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