Turkish Validity and Reliability of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS)

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disorder that occurs with a lesion in the developing infant brain, seen in 2-3/1000 live births. CP is a posture, movement and tone disorder that occurs due to prenatal or postnatal causes. It is not progressive, but since the anatomy of the lesion and the physical development of the individual are not completed, the course of the disorder may vary throughout life. Accompanied by motor dysfunctions, it varies according to clinical types. In addition to this, various visual, sensory and behavioral problems, speech disorders that cause learning difficulties and cognitive problems can also be observed. Ophthalmic disorders are the most common problem in CP and can also affect the developmental process of the patient. Since ophthalmic disorders and neurological deficits are associated in CP, the relationship between neurological disorder and ophthalmic disorders has been investigated in the literature. The aim of this study is to establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) specific to individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disorder that occurs with a lesion in the developing infant brain, seen in 2-3/1000 live births. CP is a posture, movement and tone disorder that occurs due to prenatal or postnatal causes. It is not progressive, but since the anatomy of the lesion and the physical development of the individual are not completed, the course of the disorder may vary throughout life. Accompanied by motor dysfunctions, it varies according to clinical types. In addition to this, various visual, sensory and behavioral problems, speech disorders that cause learning difficulties and cognitive problems can also be observed. Ophthalmic disorders are the most common problem in CP and can also affect the developmental process of the patient. Since ophthalmic disorders and neurological deficits are associated in CP, the relationship between neurological disorder and ophthalmic disorders has been investigated in the literature. Studies show that 60-70% of children with CP also have CVI. CVI is defined as a lack of visual function resulting from damage or disruption of the retrogeniculate visual pathways (optic radiations, occipital cortex, visual associative areas) in the absence of any major ocular disease. This involvement of the retrogeniculate visual pathways is common in CP, given that the lesions most commonly underlying this condition also affect the visual areas of the brain. CVI is defined as bilateral loss of central visual function (visual acuity) caused by neurological damage to the visual cortex and⁄or visual pathway structures. It is most commonly caused by hypoxic ischemia causing periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in the preterm infant. Disturbance of the oculomotor system is also typical in CP. Abnormalities in functions such as fixation, tracking and saccadic movements; Strabismus and abnormal ocular movements are also frequently described. With the participation of visual relational areas, visual perception and integration disorders, which are often seen as visual cognitive disorders, can occur when the child reaches school age. These impairments should be investigated even when visual functions such as visual acuity and visual field are normal or mildly impaired.Gross Motor Classification System (GMFCS) and Manual Skill Classification System (MACS) are used by clinicians to obtain a clear picture of how motor skills of individuals with CP, mobility levels in daily life and independence levels of hand functions are affected. However, although it is known that children with CP have visual effects, the methods in which visual functions are classified are insufficient. Therefore, Baranello et al. A tool has been developed to classify the visual function classification system. The aim of this study is to establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Visual Function Classification System (VFCS) specific to individuals with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

-Children with CP diagnosed with CP between the ages of 1-18 with visual perception problems and visual impairments

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals with CP whose parents did not sign the voluntary consent form