title: Functional visual loss.
abstract: Functional visual loss (FVL) is a syndrome in which subjective visual parameters are inconsistent with objective measures. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology and management of functional disorders and FVL will be explored.
  
  
  
  FVL requires a positive diagnosis of normal function through clinical examination or visual electrophysiology. A substantial proportion of patients have an underlying organic illness that needs to be identified and treated. Recent updates in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 reflect the observation that many patients with FVL do not have a recognizable psychological association. A small number of functional neuroimaging studies suggest that there may be a stress-mediated prefrontal suppression of visual awareness. There is limited evidence to guide the treatment of FVL; education and reassurance remain first line, followed by cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy for psychiatric comorbidities.
  
  
  
  FVL remains a poorly studied and understood condition. Recent advances in the understanding and management of functional symptoms more generally may aid in advancing the understanding of this condition.
authors.affiliation: aSave Sight Institute, The University of Sydney bSydney Eye Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Shanil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dhanji
authors.forename: Mitchell
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lawlor
mesh_terms: D001364:Awareness; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D015897:Comorbidity; D059907:Functional Neuroimaging; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*