Organic vs. psychogenic factors in visual dysfunction

A 17-year-old black male first complained of a relatively acute visual loss in both eyes just weeks before his 15th birthday. Extensive evaluations provided no definite organic cause for the acuity drop from 20/25 in June 1983 to 20/200 in November 1983. A psychogenic etiology was suspected but never confirmed. To date, optical devices provide the only means in attaining maximum visual efficiency.