The relationship is outlined between the mixed-valence state and the electronic structure in the halogen-bridged platinum compounds. Pressure dependences of the optical absorption edge and the Raman frequency of halide stretching mode are interpreted in terms of the electron-lattice coupling characteristic of the PtX chains. Presented are the results of the recent optical experiments on the pressure-induced phase transition in PtCl and PtBr, demonstrating the role of the long range order among the chains. Also discussed is the behavior of the midgap absorption band, which is attributable to solitons, in PtCl under high pressures.