After having a rough couple of weeks, over the weekend, I hunkered down and read a book on Cortical Vision Impairment (CVI), which is something that could be affecting Sol’s vision. The book is called Little Bear Sees, and is written by the parents and grandparent of a little boy who is learning to live with CVI.

As opposed to many of the articles that I’d read online, this account of CVI was mostly positive, filling me with hope and ideas for a plan of action (a little b-school nerdiness) should Sol be diagnosed with CVI.

Here are a few points that stood out to me:

• CVI has absolutely nothing to do with the eyes, so glasses nor surgery will not help it.
• Because CVI refers to how the brain processes images taken by the eyes, the brain can be rewired or trained to better understand those images. (heck, yeah, neuroplasticity!)
• Kiddos with CVI tend to see specific, highly saturated colors best (reds and yellows are common), can see familiar items better, and see in a simple environment best.
• Rather than designating specific blocks of time for vision therapy, it is best to incorporate ways for babies to see throughout a daily routine so they can have lots of practice.
• CVI can be corrected to “near normal” vision, and typically is done so within 2 1/2 years. It is much quicker for infants’ brains to be rewired rather than older kids and adults because of – you guessed it! – neuroplasticity.

All in, a super helpful read in preparing myself for what may be just around the bend. For anyone dealing with CVI, I recommend checking it out along with the Little Bear Sees website. For my family members or friends who may want to read it to better understand our approach with Sol should he receive the diagnosis, shoot me an email and I can loan it to you!