Examination of the cortically blind infant

Failure of an infant to use his eyes is often the first sign of diffuse brain disorder. The objective evaluation of such infants is difficult and depends upon the testing of reflexes thought to be mediated through the cerebral cortex. It is important that the responses to visual stimuli be compared to responses from other external sensory stimuli and to general development. The prognosis should be guarded even when the examiner is certain that vision is present. When no visual responses can be elicited, caution in prognosis is even more advisable because many infants develop far beyond the examiner's original expectations.