Through the lens of schizophrenia: visual hallucinations in a patient with congenital cataract

Schizoaffective disorder is a chronic mental illness characterized by a combination of symptoms seen in both schizophrenia and mood disorders. It is considered a subtype of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. People with schizoaffective disorder experience various symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, impaired social functioning, and mood disturbances, which can manifest as manic, depressive, or mixed episodes. This case report examines a 33-year-old male patient diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder who presented with negative symptoms, depressive mood, and cognitive impairments. He also experienced visual hallucinations, which represents the particularity of this case. The patient had a history of congenital cataracts, which affected his visual acuity from an early age. Despite undergoing surgery to replace the affected lenses, he developed myopia and continued to experience visual impairment. This case highlights the challenges of differential diagnosis in this rare situation and raises questions about the relationship between visual hallucinations and somatic impairments. The patient’s successful treatment included a combination of antipsychotic