Peer-reviewed article
Homonymous hemianopia in childhood: a systematic scoping review protocol
Handley S, Bowman R, Liasis A, Rahi J ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This is a protocol for a systematic scoping review that will map existing literature on homonymous hemianopia (a type of cerebral visual impairment) in children aged 0-18 years. The review aims to explore the nature, features and volume of research on this specific visual condition to identify gaps in knowledge. The protocol describes the planned methodology, including database searches and screening procedures, but no data or findings are presented.
Key points
- Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of visual impairment in childhood in western countries
- Homonymous hemianopia is one type of CVI caused by injury to postchiasmal visual pathways in one brain hemisphere
- The review will search CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases plus grey literature
- The protocol follows PRISMA extension for scoping reviews to ensure reporting integrity
Limitations
This is a protocol document, not a completed review, so it contains no actual findings about homonymous hemianopia in children or evidence about interventions or outcomes. The review has not yet been conducted and therefore cannot provide information about the prevalence, management, or outcomes for affected children.
Abstract
Introduction Cerebral visual impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of visual impairment in childhood in western countries. This encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders and a spectrum of types of visual impairments. Research is required to explore specific subtypes of CVI and the specific needs of these groups to provide more individualised patient care. One type of CVI is homonymous hemianopia (HH), the absence of vision on one side due to an insult to the postchiasmal visual pathways in one hemisphere of the brain. The scoping review aims to map the nature, features and volume of the existing literature around HH in infancy, childhood and young adolescence. Methods and analysis We will perform a scoping review of the literature relating to HH in children (0–18 years old). The review will follow the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews checklist to ensure reporting integrity. We will conduct electronic database searches including CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE (PubMed) and PsycINFO. We will also carry out a ‘grey literature’ and internet search for studies or materials not formally published. Two researchers will independently review abstracts yielded from the search strategy for study inclusion. Dissemination This review will inform health professionals and other stakeholders working within this growing population of children with CVI. Our review will summarise the literature relating to this specific subgroup of CVI, and will identify gaps that require further research and development towards specific care of children with this form of CVI.