Causes and risk factors
Cortical blindness may be congenital (present since birth) or acquired later in life.
Congenital cortical blindness is usually caused as a result of perinatal brain infections or stroke.
Acquired cortical blindness occurs as a result of ischemic stroke. Other causes include congenital brain defects, head injury, brain infections, heart surgery, and side-effects of certain drugs.
Clinical presentation
Patients present with varying grades of visual impairment and sometimes with total loss of vision and visual sensation. A characteristic sign is that the patient may not be aware of his loss of vision known as Anton-Babinski syndrome.
The patient usually cannot perceive stationary objects (Riddoch syndrome). He/she can, however, perceive light and moving objects and may develop visual hallucinations.
Investigations
A complete eye examination should be carried out along with neurological assessment. The pupillary response to light will be found intact. Even a fundoscopic examination will not reveal any abnormality.
However, the patient will not be able to describe objects placed in front of him. He may only be able to vaguely describe the shape and color of the object.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at identifying and treating the underlying cause of cortical blindness.
When to contact a doctor
Contact a doctor as soon as you experience any visual impairment.
Systems involved
Ophthalmology, CNS.
Organs involved
Eyes, brain
