Ophthalmic psychoneurosis: natural history

The status of 18 patients presenting with ocular psychosomatic symptoms is reviewed 10 to 18 months after presentation. All the patients had been discharged after the examination and reassurance given at the initial interview. In 8 patients symptoms had completely ceased, but 10 patients retained their symptoms. Transitory, self-limiting symptoms were more commonly associated with anxiety and occurred in the younger patients. Persistent symptoms were more commonly associated with depression and occurred in the older patients. Pain of the eyes, face, and head is conspicuous in both groups.