Visual responses in the newborn

Ninty-six infants were tested for their ability to fix on, pursue, and alert to a test object visually. These infants were evaluated for subsequent development. Of the 9 infants later deemed to be abnormal or suspect, none showed positive visual responses in the newborn period. However, 57.5% of the normal infants demonstrated this ability. Opticokinetic responses were obtained in 76% of the normal group but in none of the suspect. Eliciting visual responses as part of the neonatal examination may offer reassurance to the clinician as to the infant's future prognosis. Their absence on any one examination is not a definite indication of central nervous system deficit. The capacity of a neonate to fix, follow, and alert to a visual stimulus appears to be good evidence for an intact central nervous system.