DISABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH SO-CALLED HYSTERICAL AMBLYOPIA

Objectives: To elucidate the clinical condition which is associated with non specific visual field loss in children: so called, Hysterical Amblyopia. Materials and Method: 25 children with visual field defect were assessed by means of a proforma questionnaire which scored their disability. The results obtained from these children were compared with the results of the questionnaire being applied to 95 school children, ages 10 - 12 years, from the local primary school. Results: In nearly all the symptoms elucidated by the questionnaire, the children with the visual field loss were much more affected than the control group. Statistical analysis rated the findings as highly significant. Conclusion: The presence of concentric narrowing of the visual fields indicates that the visually affected children are likely to be beset by many other ailments: such as headaches, blurred vision, photophobia, light headedness, poor concentration, personality defect, restlessness and growing pains.