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Credits
RNIB (2007, November). Charles Bonnet Syndrome. Retrieved June 20, 2008, from RNIB Website.
This eye health information is provided by the Prevention and Education Department of Cleveland Sight Center.
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CHARLES BONNET SYNDROME
What is Charles Bonnet Syndrome?
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a relatively unknown syndrome, primarily because people experiencing it hesitate to report it for fear of being thought of as mentally ill. This condition causes people with severe vision loss to see things they know are not real. Sometimes called “visual hallucinations,” the things people see can manifest into a variety of forms, from simple patterns of straight lines to detailed pictures of people or buildings. Sometimes these complex pictures can interfere with mobility. For example, streets and rooms may have their shape changed or brickwork and fencing may appear directly in front of the person making it difficult to judge exactly where they are and whether they can walk straight ahead.
There seem to be two different kinds of things people see. Both of them can be black and white or in colour, involve movement or stay still, and they can seem real, for example, cows in a field, or imaginary, such as pictures of dragons.
First, there are the hallucinations of patterns and lines, which can appear like brickwork, netting, mosaic or tiles. Second, there are more complex pictures of people or places. Sometimes whole scenes will appear, such as landscapes or groups of people, which are sometimes life-size, and at other times are reduced or enlarged in size. These pictures appear “out of the blue” and can carry on for a few minutes or sometimes last several hours. Generally the pictures are pleasant although the effects can be scary.
One way of dealing with visual hallucinations when they occur is to try to change things in the surrounding environment. For example, if they occur in the dark, then try switching on a light, or if they occur in the light, try turning the light off. If they happen when you are sitting down, try standing up. Some people find that moving their eyes helps (for example, from left to right or up and down).
Charles Bonnet Syndrome affects people with severe vision loss that occurs later in life, but it can affect people of any age and often occurs after a period of worsening vision. People with CBS quickly realize the hallucinations are not real, whereas people with mental illness do not. The visual hallucinations often stop within a year to 18 months. A general practitioner should be informed of the problem. He or she can reassure the patient that it is not mental illness and offer suggestions to cope with the symptoms. Medications are available, but not always effective for everyone; however, a consult with a counselor, psychiatrist or psychologist may provide reassurance until symptoms no longer persist.
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