Correlations between developmental test of visual perception-adolescent and adult and visual evoked potential in people with multiple sclerosis

Background: Optic neuritis (ON) is a common visual sign in multiple sclerosis (MS). Although ON is recovered in most cases, other visual functions such as visual perception are affected and are not fully recovered. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between visual evoked potential (VEP) P100 and N70 latencies and visual perception using the Developmental Test of Visual Perception-Adolescent and Adult (DTVP-A) in people with MS. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 24 people with ON due to MS, aged 18-50 years old took part. In order to assess the visual perception and optic nerve conductivity, the DTVP-A and the VEP were accomplished, respectively. Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. Results: There was a significant negative correlation between right VEP P100 latency and total score of DTVP-A (r = -0.450, P < 0.05) as well as a significant negative correlation between right VEP P100 latency with visual-motor integration (VMI) subtest of DTVP-A (r = -0.485, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The visual perception has an important role in safety and independent daily activities. Therefore, determining the related factors is essential. Although the findings of the current study revealed a moderate statistical correlation between visual perception and right VEP P100 latency, the small sample size might limit the generalization of our findings; therefore, further study is required to confirm our results.