Neonatal pattern vision: a predictor of future mental performance?

The visual fixation responses of 33 high-risk neonates to patterned stimuli were rated as normal, suspect, or abnormal in an attempt to predict future intellectual performance. For comparison purposes, a neurologic examination was aslo administered. Follow-up studies based on autopsies and neurologic and psychological testing agreed with the neonatal visual preference ratings in 27 cases, but with the neurologic examination ratings in only 22 cases. This preliminary study suggests that neonatal visual testing is a promising technique for evaluating brain integrity in the newborn period.