VISUAL HALLUCINATIONS AFTER ENUCLEATION

Visual phenomena are frequently reported in patients after ocular trau ma, surgery or progressive visual degeneration. In particular, halluci nations are often seen by patients following enucleation. Whereas thes e visions can be verbally described to the physician, they can never a ctually be seen. This article focuses on the case of a female artist w ho experienced visual hallucinations after enucleation of her dominant right eye. In addition to her verbal descriptions, she was able to ex press these hallucinations visually on canvas. Her case offers insight to caregivers about the nature of visual hallucinations in patients w ith similar experiences. A review of the general characteristics and e tiologies of such visual phenomena is also included.