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Functional vision loss
Background:
Functional vision loss (FVL) is a condition whereby a patient experiences a visual deficit without an organic or sensory basis. FVL is a diagnosis of exclusion, made only after organic pathology and sensory problems have been ruled out.
Methods:
The authors reviewed the literature on FVL, delineated the etiologies and applied their clinical experience to the subject to provide the reader with a clinical appreciation and practical approach to FVL. This includes diagnostic strategies and etiology-based management.
Results:
There are numerous sociopsychological etiologies of FVL of which the optometrist should be aware. Since FVL is a non-organic condition, the optimal treatment is usually multi-disciplinary, including a range of providers.
Conclusions:
The authors present an overview of FVL, classification of etiology, a diagnostic strategy, comanagement recommendations, and case reports.