Bilateral choroidal caverns in a child with pachychoroid and anxious personality

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Medical Psychology

Background:

• Bilateral choroidal caverns (CC) and pachychoroid are rare conditions.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with increased psychological distress, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Observation:

• A 7-year-old male presented with bilateral vision decline during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Ocular examination revealed structural optical coherence tomography findings of pachychoroid and bilateral choroidal caverns.
• The patient's visual disturbances resolved with non-prescription glasses, suggesting a functional or factitious origin.

Findings:

• The case highlights the potential for functional visual disturbances in children experiencing psychological distress.
• The presence of choroidal caverns in a pediatric patient raises questions about their etiology and potential degenerative processes.
• This case underscores the multifaceted impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health and physical manifestations.

Implications:

• Further research is needed to determine the prevalence of choroidal caverns in pediatric populations.
• Understanding the link between psychological distress and ocular conditions is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
• This case emphasizes the importance of considering functional and factitious causes for visual symptoms, especially during periods of heightened stress.