A case report of bilateral autoenucleation and its prevention.
OBJECTIVE
To report a case and review both the ophthalmic and psychiatric literature to document the pattern of this self-mutilation and review prevention techniques.


METHODS
Case report and retrospective review.


METHODS
Surgical repair of the orbits in a patient who autoenucleated both eyes.


METHODS
To determine methods to prevent self-destructive behavior.


RESULTS
Up to 75% of these acts are performed by psychiatric inpatients as a form of focal suicide. Methods to prevent self-inflicting behavior include differential reinforcement, boxing gloves, soft cotton gloves, a bubble helmet, facial screening, electrical stimulation, and tarsorraphy.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of autoenucleation requires early identification of susceptible subjects and timely initiation of preventive measures.
D015353:Eye Enucleation / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020273:Orbital Implants; D012652:Self Mutilation / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*