Bilateral Self-enucleation of the Eyes

Abstract

Self-removal of the eyeball is an extreme form of self-harm, which is rare especially in a society ill-disposed to self-maiming. We report the case of a 75-year old man who plucked out his own two eyes in obedience to a voice urging him to do so. According to his wife, the patient had been exhibiting symptoms suggestive of a psychiatric disorder just before the incident. But this was overlooked. This case report draws attention to the devastating ophthalmic consequences of neglected psychiatric disorders in the elderly. We recommend greater attention to the mental health of the elderly. Prevention and management of auto-enucleation requires a collaboration between psychiatrists and ophthalmologists.