[A method to evaluate visual ability in infants].
The purpose of this study is to introduce a method to evaluate visual functions in infants in the first three months of life. An adaptation of the Guide for the Assessment of Visual Ability in Infants (Gagliardo, 1997) was used. The instrument was a ring with string. It was implemented a pilot study with 33 infants, selected according to the following criteria: neonates well enough to go home within two days of birth; 1 to 3 months of chronological age; monthly evaluation with no absence; subjects living in Campinas/SP metropolitan area. In the first month we observed: visual fixation (93,9%); eye contact (90,9%); horizontal tracking (72,7%); inspects surroundings (97,0%). In the third month, we observed: inspects own hands (42,4%) and increased movements of arms (36,4%). This method allowed the evaluation of visual functions in infants, according to the chronological age. Alterations in this function will facilitate immediate referral to medical services for diagnoses.
Gagliardo
Heloisa G R Gardon
HG
Centro de Estudos e Pesquisas em Reabilitação Prof. Dr. Gabriel Porto, Departamento de Neurologia, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de CampinasCampinas, SP, Brasil. heloisa@fcm.unicamp.br
Gonçalves
Vanda M Gimenes
VM
Lima
Maria Cecília Marconi Pinheiro
MC
D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D015351:Vision Screening / Q000379:methods*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*