Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

Functional visual disorders may involve malingering or which other type of blindness?

1. Psychosomatic blindness

2. Hysterical blindness

3. Devotional blindness

4. Compensatory blindness

The correct answer is: Hysterical blindness

Functional visual disorders often encompass conditions where there is no clear organic cause for the symptoms presented. This includes instances where the individual may exhibit symptoms akin to blindness but for reasons that are psychological rather than physiological. Hysterical blindness, a term often used in the context of conversion disorders, reflects a condition where the loss of vision is linked to psychological trauma or stress rather than to physical damage to the eyes or visual pathways. Individuals with hysterical blindness may have an underlying emotional conflict or distress manifesting in the temporary loss of vision, which aligns with the symptoms outlined in functional visual disorders. The recognition of this condition is vital in clinical settings, as treatment approaches may differ significantly from those designed for organic causes of blindness. This distinction highlights the essential aspect of understanding functional disorders, pinpointing the psychological factors contributing to the appearance of symptoms, which is what makes hysterical blindness the appropriate choice in this context. Other options do not accurately capture the psychological mechanism as clearly as hysterical blindness does, which is why that choice stands out.