Case reports on psychosomatic eye disorders.

Symptoms of headache, floaters, blurred vision, eye strain may be respectable outward manifestations of secret fears or failure to adjust to life events. The work in this hospital of Mr W.S. Inman, ophthalmologist and psychoanalyst, has largely been forgotten. I will present case histories to show that the approach 'Let's have a chat about your problem' can reveal deep underlying tensions. The description of these by the patient, for the first time, to a neutral listener is usually curative. It takes longer than a detachment operation and can be more difficult than cataract surgery but the end result is a very grateful patient whose symptoms have been cured--by talking. We can easily dismiss these patients with 'Your problem is not ocular'. By spending time listening and being unafraid of their muddled lives, their confused sexuality and inadequate personal relationships, we can reach a wider range of patients to help, as Inman taught our predecessors. I find it rewarding.