The differential diagnosis of visual disorders in patients presenting with marked symptoms but with no observable ocular abnormality.

A differential diagnosis of nine conditions which sometimes produce distressing symptoms without overt signs is presented. Sophisticated tests, especially electrodiagnostic ones, can aid the optometrist in making the correct decision. The selected procedures and the expected results are summarized in a table. The conditions reviewed are Stargardt's macular degeneration, Leber's congenital amaurosis, albinism, foveal hypoplasia, retinitis pigmentosa, retrobulbar neuritis, amblyopia, and problems of psychogenic origin.