What is Nonorganic Vision Loss?

Nonorganic vision loss, or NOVL, is a type of vision impairment where a person’s described vision problems can’t be fully explained by any physical cause, like a disease or injury. In simple terms, it means the person’s eyes are physically fine, but they still experience vision problems. The reasons behind this type of vision loss can vary widely and are often complex.

Understanding NOVL requires an in-depth knowledge of how vision works. This includes everything from the parts of the eye itself (like the cornea and retina), to the optic nerves that carries information from the eyes to the brain, and the part of the brain that processes visual information. Doctors need to carefully check all these parts to rule out any physical cause for the vision loss, such as eye diseases, brain conditions, or other health problems.

What’s interesting about NOVL is that it’s not always a case of someone pretending to have vision loss. In fact, most of the time, the person is genuinely unaware that their vision loss isn’t caused by a physical problem. The way NOVL affects a person can widely vary. Some people might experience a sudden loss of vision, while others might notice a gradual decline. It can affect different aspects of vision, from sharpness and color perception to the field of view, and may involve one or both eyes. Being unable to see properly can greatly affect a person’s quality of life and daily activities, which emphasizes the need for quick detection and proper handling of cases.

To understand and treat NOVL properly, doctors use a biopsychosocial approach which means it involves looking at physiological, psychological, and social factors that may contribute to the condition. Early detection and suitable interventions can greatly improve the situation for the patient and also helps reduce the strain on healthcare resources. It’s important to note that sometimes, NOVL might be the only way psychological distress manifests itself, which is why doctors might ask about mental health issues during eye exams.

Healthcare providers should be aware that when there’s no physical reason for the vision loss, it might be a case of NOVL. Those with NOVL (as well those with a condition called factitious disorder, where individuals consciously fake or exaggerate symptoms) will generally want more tests done to find out what’s causing the vision loss. However, NOVL is still not fully understood or thoroughly studied in the field of eye health. This also highlights the importance of better understanding NOVL, how it presents, and how best to handle it for healthcare professionals.

What Causes Nonorganic Vision Loss?

NOVL, or Non-Organic Vision Loss, is caused by a combination of physical, mental, and social factors. It’s different from other visual impairments because it happens even though there’s no observable disease or damage to the eye or visual path.

Mental factors play a big role in NOVL. In some people, vision loss might be a form of ‘conversion disorder’. This is when emotional strain is expressed as a physical symptom. People who have experienced anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health conditions might be more susceptible to NOVL.

NOVL can also happen if a person unintentionally exaggerates small or non-specific changes in their vision due to being overly worried about their health. This is most often seen in people who are excessively worried about their health or who have recently been diagnosed with an eye condition. Fears about potential vision loss can lead them to place too much emphasis on how much their vision is affected.

NOVL can also show up as part of ‘factitious disorder’ or ‘malingering’. This is where a person consciously pretends to have visual symptoms to gain some benefit. This could be to get attention, avoid responsibilities, or to acquire disability benefits. However, these causes should only be considered once all other potential causes have been ruled out.

NOVL is sometimes connected to a person’s history of trauma or abuse; the visual symptoms can be a physical sign of the emotional toll of these experiences. In children and young people, NOVL might be associated with stress at home or at school. Other societal and cultural factors can also impact the occurrence of NOVL. People going through significant life stress, those with limited social support, or individuals in disadvantageous socioeconomic situations may be more likely to develop NOVL.

In the ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition’ (DSM-5), which is a guidebook for diagnoses used by mental health professionals, this kind of vision loss is classified under “Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders.” Specifically, it falls under the label of “Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder).” According to the DSM-5, Conversion Disorder is defined as having one or more symptoms of altered motor or sensory function that, after proper medical assessment, are found to be inconsistent with recognized neurological or medical conditions.

Risk Factors and Frequency for Nonorganic Vision Loss

NOVL, or Non-organic Vision Loss, varies in frequency depending on different factors such as location and the population being studied. In a study involving 127 adults with eye convergence disorder, it was found that 16% had functional visual symptoms, which are a part of NOVL.

A report from a children’s eye department in Belgium showed that between 2007 to 2014, half of children who reported ‘vision loss’ were diagnosed with NOVL. The average age at diagnosis was 11 years and it was more common in girls. Almost 88% of these children got better within two weeks, though it recurred in about 13% of cases. Furthermore, a quarter of these children needed psychiatric help. Symptoms they experienced included blurry vision, seeing double images, shaky eye movements, vision field defects, and even total blindness.

While NOVL can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, some studies suggest it’s a bit more common in women and teenagers. Exact numbers worldwide are hard to determine due to differences in how it’s reported and diagnosed. Nonetheless, NOVL is a key player in visual impairment due to its significant social and emotional effects and impact on healthcare resources.

  • NOVL varies in frequency depending on location and the population being studied.
  • In a study of adults with eye convergence disorder, 16% had functional visual symptoms of NOVL.
  • In a Belgian children’s eye department, 50% of ‘vision loss’ cases were diagnosed with NOVL, mostly in girls, with an average diagnosis age of 11.
  • About 88% of these children recovered within two weeks, but 13% had recurring symptoms.
  • 25% of these children required psychiatric treatment.
  • Common symptoms include blurry vision, double vision, shaky eye movements, vision field defects and complete blindness.
  • NOVL is slightly more common in women and teenagers.
  • Exact global numbers are unclear due to reporting and diagnostic differences.
  • Despite this, NOVL significantly contributes to visual impairment and impacts healthcare resources.

Signs and Symptoms of Nonorganic Vision Loss

Non-organic Vision Loss (NOVL) can have a range of different symptoms. When a patient has NOVL, they may report symptoms that fluctuate or don’t seem to be consistent. It’s important to take a detailed history of the patient’s symptoms for proper diagnosis.

  • Key details should include when symptoms started, how long they’ve lasted, and how they’ve progressed. Any sudden changes in vision should be documented.
  • Queries should be made about other issues related to the vision loss, such as headaches, eye pain or other body-wide symptoms.
  • Sometimes, patients with NOVL report vision problems that don’t match an expected pattern. They might say they’ve lost all vision in one eye, but still have no trouble getting around. Or, they could report unusual vision problems, like “grey-out” or “white-out” episodes.

A thorough review of the patient’s health history is also necessary, focusing on any previous eye conditions, surgeries, or injuries, and any health conditions that could affect vision, like diabetes or neurological problems. The patient’s lifestyle and recent stressors can offer important information, and there might be personal benefits from the vision loss, such as gaining legal settlements or disability benefits, which should be taken into account. The patient’s mental health should be assessed, especially for conditions like anxiety or depression. Furthermore, a review of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, supplements, and recreational substances should be done, as many can cause changes in vision.

Finally, a full physical examination, especially a thorough eye exam, should be conducted. This includes testing the visual sharpness, refraction, colour vision, visual fields, eye movements, pupil responses, and depth perception. Checking the front and back parts of the eye and measuring the pressure inside the eye are also part of this examination. Patients with NOVL typically have normal results from physical exams. However, they might claim to be unable to see the chart used for the eye exam while having no difficulties identifying objects or moving around the room. Their pupils will usually respond normally, they’ll have full movement of their eyes, and the doctor would not typically find any abnormalities in their eye examination.

Testing for Nonorganic Vision Loss

When a doctor wants to diagnose Non-Organic Vision Loss (NOVL), they usually spend most of their time getting to know the patient’s medical history and performing a comprehensive eye exam. They might also ask for further tests that can confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other physical diseases that could be responsible for the vision loss.

Diagnosis Techniques

The doctor will have a variety of techniques to choose from in order to diagnose NOVL. These techniques assess certain visual responses that happen automatically and can’t easily be controlled by a person, which can be helpful in figuring out the cause of a person’s vision loss. They will observe the patient when they think they’re not being watched, use an optokinetic drum or strip, confront the patient’s visual fields, test visual acuity, conduct stereopsis and color tests, or use a mirror. These tests are performed in a compassionate and careful manner, understanding that NOVL patients might not intentionally produce their symptoms and might be dealing with stress that requires sensitive and suitable care. The diagnosis is primarily based on spotting inconsistencies in the patient’s history and physical examination and differentiating NOVL from any other physical causes of vision loss.

Observing Unaware Patients

One technique is watching patients when they believe they are alone. For example, if a patient who claims they’ve lost all vision manages to move around a room and avoid objects, read or do other tasks that require sight without any problems, this might be a sign of NOVL.

Optokinetic Drum or Strip

An optokinetic drum or strip is a tool that induces involuntary eye movement as the eye tracks moving objects or patterns. This reaction is difficult to prevent consciously and can reveal that a patient can actually see, even if they deny it. During the test, the patient is asked to look at a rotating drum or moving strip with alternating black and white stripes. If their eyes follow the movement, it suggests they can see it.

Confrontation Visual Field Testing

In confrontation visual field testing, the doctor compares their own fields of vision with those of the patient. The doctor can perform this test by moving their fingers and asking the patient to let them know when they see fingers moving in different parts of their field of view. NOVL patients might identify the fields differently.

Variable Visual Acuity Testing

Modifying the vision chart can sometimes expose NOVL. Changing the direction of the chart, for example turning it upside down or sideways, can often lead to better-than-expected results as the patient may not realize they should be unable to read the chart in these orientations.

Stereopsis Testing

Stereopsis is the depth perception and three-dimensional structure perception based on visual information from two eyes by individuals with normally developed binocular vision. Patients reporting loss of vision in one eye who pass a stereopsis test that needs input from both eyes may have NOVL.

Color Testing

Red light testing, or the red desaturation test, is useful in assessing NOVL. During this test, the patient is asked to compare the brightness of a red light between both eyes. In NOVL, the perception of red light is usually equal in both eyes.

Mirror Test

In the mirror test, a mirror reflects the image of an eye chart or other visual target into the eye that the patient claims is blind. If the patient can identify the chart or target, it indicates that the “bad” eye can see.

Lab Tests

While NOVL doesn’t really have any specific lab tests, if a patient is suspected to have a physical or psychiatric condition underlying their symptoms, then the doctor might order more tests. The type of tests that are ordered will depend on the symptoms that the patient has reported.

Imaging

Radiographic imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, might be needed to rule out physical diseases, especially in cases where a neurological disease might be suspected or for patients who report inconsistent symptoms. Typically, these tests will not reveal any abnormalities for NOVL patients.

Optical Coherence Tomography

Optical coherence tomography can assist in diagnosing NOVL by revealing normal eye and nerve structure, even though the patient is reporting vision loss.

Electrodiagnostic Testing

Electrodiagnostic tests like electroretinography and visually evoked potential can be used to rule out diseases of the retina and optic nerve. Just like with the radiographic imaging, these tests usually won’t reveal any abnormalities for NOVL patients.

Psychological Evaluation

Because NOVL is often linked to psychological issues, a mental health evaluation is often beneficial. Mental health professionals can help identify any stressors or mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, that might be contributing to the symptoms.

Treatment Options for Nonorganic Vision Loss

Effectively treating non-organic vision loss (NOVL), which is vision loss that occurs without a clear physical cause, involves creating a strong trust-based relationship with your doctor, understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan, and seeking help from mental health professionals when necessary. The treatment process may continue over a prolonged period. In some cases, patients may consult with multiple doctors for opinions. Surgery is typically not required unless another underlying health issue is present.

Reassurance and Education

One of the primary treatment steps for NOVL is patient reassurance. This important step requires careful communication to assure you that your eyes and visual pathways are functioning normally and there’s no physical disease present, even though you’re feeling symptoms. It’s crucial to understand the potential causes of your symptoms, such as stress or psychological factors.

Referral to Mental and Behavioral Health Professionals

It might be necessary to refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and advice on managing your symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of mental health treatment that helps you understand and change thought patterns that lead to harmful actions or feelings, may be helpful. Mental health professionals can help you cope with stress or any underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to your NOVL.

Continuity of Care

Regular check-ups are essential for patients with NOVL, and your treatment plan may need adjustments over time. The timing and frequency of your appointments will depend on your specific circumstances and your doctor’s clinical judgement.

NOVL, by definition, doesn’t have a specific, identifiable physical cause. But it’s important to make sure that a person doesn’t have an eye disease causing vision changes before diagnosing NOVL. Conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, eye degeneration, retinal detachment, and optic neuritis are common diseases that can lead to vision loss. Typically, scans, lab tests, or a physical examination can spot these. But, sometimes, they may be hard to catch in the early stages or mild cases.

Some conditions might need specific tests for an accurate diagnosis. For instance, Stargardt disease, a hereditary eye disorder that comes on in childhood, oftentimes requires a type of imaging test called fluorescein angiography. This test shows the specific signs of the disease.

There may also be a need for more detailed imaging to avoid wrongly diagnosing NOVL. Some conditions affecting the eyes might appear normal at first glance. Others may cause changes that can only be detected behind the eyes. Missing these could lead to an incorrect NOVL diagnosis. Glaucoma, for example, can sometimes be confused with NOVL because the pressure in the eye might be normal. Catching these issues emphasizes the need for thorough evaluation and testing when thinking about diagnosing NOVL.

The following conditions are often wrongly diagnosed as eye disorders:

  • Big Blind Spot Syndrome: This eye condition entails a natural blind spot that becomes bigger for unexplained reasons. It’s often coupled with light flashes, blind spots, and vision field defects. The optic nerve usually appears normal, which may lead to a wrong diagnosis of functional vision loss. The condition isn’t well-understood and treatment is centered on keeping an eye on the development of linked conditions.
  • Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy: This condition typically affects young, nearsighted women. They usually present with sudden light flashes and an enlarging blind spot. An exam may not show any abnormalities, but specialized testing often shows significant changes.
  • Bilateral Retrochiasmal Disease: Conditions that shape the back of the brain, like strokes or tumors, can cause visual field defects that are of the same type. If these are misunderstood by the patient or doctor, they can be falsely diagnosed as functional vision loss. Detecting these disease requires detailed testing.
  • Chiasmal Disease without Optic Atrophy: Masses like craniopharyngiomas or pituitary adenomas laying on the optic chiasm can cause subtle vision loss that is easily overlooked. Thorough eye tests and imaging are necessary when a lesion is suspected.
  • Among others also include Cone-Rod Dystrophy, Early Keratoconus or Irregular Astigmatism, Early Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts, Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, Macular Changes, Paraneoplastic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa Sine Pigmento, and Retrobulbar Optic Neuropathy.

Migraine headaches can also be mistaken for NOVL as visual changes often occur during a migraine attack. Whereas other conditions like conversion disorder, a symptom where patients have neurological symptoms without a physical cause, are believed to be stress-related. Similarly, somatic symptom disorder is a psychiatric condition where patients focus excessively on physical symptoms that cause distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Last but not least, malingering is when a person intentionally exaggerates or makes up physical or psychological symptoms, usually for some sort of benefit. While not considered a psychiatric disorder, recognizing malingering is key during an evaluation for NOVL to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.

What to expect with Nonorganic Vision Loss

The outcome for people with NOVL, or non-organic vision loss, can vary depending on what’s causing it. If the root cause is properly identified and managed, most people will see a major improvement, or even a full resolution of their symptoms. Timely and accurate diagnosis, regular check-ups, and personalized treatment plans are also crucial factors for a positive outcome.

For individuals whose vision loss is tied to mental health disorders such as conversion disorder or somatic symptom disorder, the outlook is generally positive when psychological intervention is included in the treatment. Strategies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, a type of talk therapy that helps people understand and change thought patterns that lead to certain behaviors. It’s also important to have a strong relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider, as this can greatly improve the results.

If someone is pretending to have vision loss (a behavior known as malingering), the outlook for the visual disturbance is naturally positive since there’s no real eye disease. Addressing the reasons for this pretend behavior can be more challenging though, and might need the involvement of mental health professionals, social workers, or even law enforcement.

Children can sometimes experience NOVL due to stress or for attention-seeking reasons. Often, once the underlying issue is identified and tackled, their condition improves. Reassurance and patience can play a big role in resolving their symptoms.

Possible Complications When Diagnosed with Nonorganic Vision Loss

Non-organic vision loss (NOVL) does not physically harm the body. However, it can have a substantial impact on mental health, everyday activities, and overall quality of life. People with NOVL often struggle with intense anxiety, frustration, and distress. This can worsen existing mental health issues and could potentially cause depression or anxiety disorders.

NOVL can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or walking difficult. This struggle can diminish a person’s quality of life, and make them more reliant on others for help. Being misunderstood or stigmatized by others can worsen the distress and can lead to a sense of isolation.

If NOVL is not identified early, it can result in unnecessary doctor visits, tests, and treatments. These can lead to unnecessary stress, both physically and mentally, as well as unneeded expenses. Additionally, focusing only on the non-organic symptoms could distract from identifying any co-existing organic conditions. This could delay correct diagnosis and treatment, leading to potentially preventable vision loss or worsening of these organic conditions.

Common complications:

  • Significant impact on mental health
  • Difficulty carrying out daily activities
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Increased dependence on others
  • Experiences of stigmatization and misunderstanding
  • Unnecessary medical consultations, investigations, and treatments
  • Undue physical, psychological, and financial burdens
  • Potential delay in the diagnosis and treatment of concurrent organic conditions
  • Potential preventable vision loss or progression of organic conditions

Preventing Nonorganic Vision Loss

NOVL, or Non-Organic Vision Loss, is often linked to mental or emotional factors. It’s crucial when explaining this condition to people, that doctors are caring, understanding, and respectful. This approach encourages open communication, builds trust, and prevents any misunderstanding.

Feeling guilty or blamed can make it harder for people to trust their doctor and make progress in their treatment. Any type of blame can harm this relationship. It’s important to be really careful about how the situation is explained to the patient.

An easy to understand, but sensitive explanation of NOVL can help. This involves explaining that there is a disconnect between the normal way the eyes see and how the brain interprets what it sees. It’s important to stress that NOVL isn’t necessarily a case of someone pretending to have vision loss. It’s also crucial to reassure people that the majority of people have a good chance of getting better, and that it’s possible to fully recover.

Doctors should try to identify any emotional or environmental factors that might be causing the NOVL. Recognizing these triggers can help patients manage them. The doctor should honestly talk about any links between stress, anxiety, depression, and NOVL. It’s helpful to encourage patients to see a mental health professional. This can help them understand how mental and emotional distress can show up as physical symptoms, including loss of vision. Treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, or counseling can be beneficial. These treatments can give patients the skills and strategies they need to manage any stress or anxiety that’s contributing to the vision loss. Healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep can all boost mental health and overall wellness.

Regular appointments at the clinic let patients know that their symptoms are being taken seriously. It’s worth noting that some people with NOVL who are pretending to have vision loss might not want to continue with care. However, patients with NOVL caused by a condition called conversion disorder usually do come back, because they genuinely want to find out why they’re losing their vision.

Frequently asked questions

The prognosis for Nonorganic Vision Loss (NOVL) can vary depending on the underlying cause. Here are the possible outcomes: - If the root cause of NOVL is properly identified and managed, most people will see a major improvement or even a full resolution of their symptoms. - For individuals whose vision loss is tied to mental health disorders, such as conversion disorder or somatic symptom disorder, the outlook is generally positive when psychological intervention is included in the treatment. - If someone is pretending to have vision loss (malingering), the outlook for the visual disturbance is naturally positive since there's no real eye disease. However, addressing the reasons for this behavior can be more challenging and may require the involvement of mental health professionals, social workers, or law enforcement. - Children with NOVL can often experience improvement once the underlying issue is identified and addressed, with reassurance and patience playing a big role in resolving their symptoms.

Nonorganic Vision Loss (NOVL) can be caused by a combination of physical, mental, and social factors. Mental factors, such as emotional strain expressed as a physical symptom, can play a big role in NOVL. It can also occur if a person exaggerates small or non-specific changes in their vision due to excessive worry about their health. Other causes of NOVL include factitious disorder or malingering, where a person pretends to have visual symptoms for personal gain, and a person's history of trauma or abuse. Other societal and cultural factors, such as significant life stress, limited social support, and disadvantageous socioeconomic situations, can also contribute to the development of NOVL.

Signs and symptoms of Non-organic Vision Loss (NOVL) can vary, but some common indicators include: - Fluctuating or inconsistent symptoms - Sudden changes in vision - Vision problems that don't match an expected pattern, such as: - Complete vision loss in one eye but no difficulty in getting around - Unusual vision problems like "grey-out" or "white-out" episodes In addition to these specific symptoms, it is important to consider other issues related to vision loss, such as headaches, eye pain, or other body-wide symptoms. It is also crucial to take a detailed history of the patient's symptoms, including when they started, how long they've lasted, and how they've progressed. Furthermore, a thorough review of the patient's health history is necessary. This includes any previous eye conditions, surgeries, or injuries, as well as any health conditions that could affect vision, like diabetes or neurological problems. The patient's lifestyle and recent stressors can also provide important information. Additionally, it is essential to assess the patient's mental health, especially for conditions like anxiety or depression. A review of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbs, supplements, and recreational substances, should be conducted, as many of these can cause changes in vision. Finally, a full physical examination, particularly a thorough eye exam, should be performed. This includes testing visual sharpness, refraction, color vision, visual fields, eye movements, pupil responses, and depth perception. Checking the front and back parts of the eye and measuring the pressure inside the eye are also part of this examination. It is important to note that patients with NOVL typically have normal results from physical exams, and the doctor would not typically find any abnormalities in their eye examination.

The types of tests that are needed for Non-Organic Vision Loss (NOVL) include: 1. Comprehensive eye exam: This is the primary test performed by a doctor to diagnose NOVL. It involves assessing the patient's medical history and conducting a thorough examination of the eyes. 2. Observing unaware patients: The doctor may observe the patient when they believe they are alone to see if they can perform tasks that require sight without any problems, indicating NOVL. 3. Optokinetic drum or strip: This test induces involuntary eye movement and can reveal if a patient can actually see, even if they deny it. 4. Confrontation visual field testing: The doctor compares their own fields of vision with those of the patient to identify any inconsistencies that may indicate NOVL. 5. Variable visual acuity testing: Modifying the vision chart, such as turning it upside down or sideways, can expose NOVL if the patient can read it in these orientations. 6. Stereopsis testing: This test assesses depth perception and three-dimensional structure perception and can help differentiate NOVL from other conditions. 7. Color testing: Red light testing can be useful in assessing NOVL by comparing the perception of red light between both eyes. 8. Mirror test: A mirror reflects the image of an eye chart or visual target into the eye that the patient claims is blind. If the patient can identify the chart or target, it indicates that the "bad" eye can see. 9. Imaging: Radiographic imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be needed to rule out physical diseases that could be responsible for the vision loss. 10. Optical coherence tomography: This test reveals the normal eye and nerve structure, even if the patient is reporting vision loss. 11. Electrodiagnostic testing: Electroretinography and visually evoked potential tests can be used to rule out diseases of the retina and optic nerve. 12. Psychological evaluation: A mental health evaluation is often beneficial as NOVL is often linked to psychological issues. Mental health professionals can help identify any stressors or mental health conditions that may be contributing to the symptoms.

The doctor needs to rule out the following conditions when diagnosing Nonorganic Vision Loss: 1. Eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, eye degeneration, retinal detachment, and optic neuritis. 2. Conditions that might be mistaken for NOVL, such as Big Blind Spot Syndrome, Acute Zonal Occult Outer Retinopathy, Bilateral Retrochiasmal Disease, Chiasmal Disease without Optic Atrophy, Cone-Rod Dystrophy, Early Keratoconus or Irregular Astigmatism, Early Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts, Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, Macular Changes, Paraneoplastic Retinopathy, Retinitis Pigmentosa Sine Pigmento, and Retrobulbar Optic Neuropathy. 3. Migraine headaches, which can cause visual changes that may be mistaken for NOVL. 4. Conversion disorder, a stress-related condition where patients have neurological symptoms without a physical cause. 5. Somatic symptom disorder, a psychiatric condition where patients excessively focus on physical symptoms that cause distress and interfere with daily functioning. 6. Malingering, when a person intentionally exaggerates or makes up physical or psychological symptoms for personal gain.

The side effects when treating Nonorganic Vision Loss (NOVL) include: - Significant impact on mental health, leading to anxiety, frustration, and distress - Difficulty carrying out daily activities such as reading, driving, or walking - Reduced quality of life - Increased dependence on others for help - Experiences of stigmatization and misunderstanding - Unnecessary medical consultations, investigations, and treatments - Undue physical, psychological, and financial burdens - Potential delay in the diagnosis and treatment of concurrent organic conditions - Potential preventable vision loss or progression of organic conditions

An ophthalmologist or an optometrist should be consulted for Nonorganic Vision Loss.

NOVL varies in frequency depending on location and the population being studied.

Nonorganic Vision Loss (NOVL) is treated by creating a strong trust-based relationship with your doctor, understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan, and seeking help from mental health professionals when necessary. Reassurance and education are important steps in the treatment process, as patients need to be assured that their eyes and visual pathways are functioning normally and that there is no physical disease present. Referral to mental and behavioral health professionals may be necessary for further evaluation and advice on managing symptoms, and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be helpful. Regular check-ups are also essential, and the treatment plan may need adjustments over time. Surgery is typically not required unless there is another underlying health issue present.

Nonorganic Vision Loss (NOVL) is a type of vision impairment where a person's described vision problems cannot be fully explained by any physical cause, such as a disease or injury. It means that the person's eyes are physically fine, but they still experience vision problems. The reasons behind NOVL can vary widely and are often complex.

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