Attempted auto-enucleation in two incarcerated young men with psychosis

Saudi J Ophthalmol. 2015 Apr-Jun;29(2):172-4. doi: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2014.09.006. Epub 2014 Sep 27.

Abstract

Auto-enucleation is a sign of untreated psychosis. We describe two patients who presented with attempted auto-enucleation while being incarcerated. This is an observation two-case series of two young men who suffered untreated psychosis while being incarcerated. These young men showed severe self-inflicted ocular trauma during episodes of untreated psychosis. Injuries included orbital bone fracture and dehiscence of the lateral rectus in one patient and severe retinal hemorrhage and partial optic nerve avulsion in the second patient. Auto-enucleation is a severe symptom of untreated psychosis. This urgent finding can occur in a jail setting in which psychiatric care may be minimal.

Keywords: Enucleation; Psychosis; Schizophrenia; Self-mutilation; Trauma.