The utility of clinical electrophysiology in a case of nonorganic vision loss.

BACKGROUND

Nonorganic vision loss (NOVL) usually refers to reports of acuity reduction, field constrictions, or both without any associated organic pathology. Regardless of the underlying cause, the primary concern of the eye care practitioner is to demonstrate visual potential better than suggested by the patient's subjective reports.

CASE REPORT: This article presents a case report of a 43-year-old woman with NOVL. The report shows the utility of visual electrodiagnostics in providing an objective assessment of the functional integrity of retinal and afferent visual pathway integrity and highlights how careful case history, subjective testing, observation of visual behavior, and objective testing can be used to establish a diagnosis of NOVL.

CONCLUSIONS

The clever use of subjective testing and the careful selection and interpretation of objective tests such as visual electrodiagnostics can be exceptionally useful in making a diagnosis of NOVL.