Combined Interventions for Nonorganic Visual Loss in a Case with Pseudo-Myopia: A Perspective from Vietnam

Abstract

A previously healthy 10-year-old girl developed painless visual loss. She was diagnosed with a spasm of accommodation confirmed by cycloplegic refraction. She was prescribed low-dose atropine and again reported acute visual loss that was inconsistent with the level of daily function. She was referred to a pediatric psychiatrist with suspicion for a nonorganic visual disorder and was diagnosed with conversion disorder. She received psychotherapy and continued the treatment with low-dose atropine. Her visual acuity at distance returned to normal. Psychogenic visual loss can mimic organic disorders; hence, ophthalmologists should be aware of cases without the agreement between visual signs and daily manifestation.

Keywords

• spasm of accommodation
• nonorganic visual loss
• atropine