Charles Bonnet syndrome
Visual hallucinations are a normal response the brain has to the loss of vision.
However, as Charles Bonnet syndrome isn't widely known, many people worry about what it means and fear they may be developing a serious mental illness or dementia.
It can also cause practical problems. People who see complex hallucinations may find it difficult to get around.
Streets and rooms may be distorted, and brickwork or fencing may appear directly in front of you, making it difficult to judge exactly where you are and whether you can walk straight ahead.
Some people can overcome this problem by having good knowledge of their surroundings.
Complex hallucinations can be unsettling. Although the visions may not be frightening, it can be disturbing to suddenly see strangers in your home or garden.
For most people, the hallucinations will improve over time, with episodes becoming shorter and less frequent. Recent evidence suggests most people will still have occasional hallucinations five years or more after they first started.
If the hallucinations do stop entirely, there's always a chance they'll reappear after a further decline in vision.
Find out what Charles Bonnet syndrome is, who it affects, what causes it, how to manage it, plus the help and support available.
There are two main types of hallucination that people with Charles Bonnet syndrome tendto experience. They may see: simple repeated patterns complex images of people, objects or landscapes Simple
Charles Bonnet syndrome affects people who've lost most or all of their eyesight. It's more likely to occur if vision loss affects both eyes. According to the Macular Society, up to half of all peop
Visual hallucinations are a normal response the brain has to the loss of vision. However, as Charles Bonnet syndrome isn't widely known, many people worry about what it means and fear they may be dev
There isn't a specific test for Charles Bonnet syndrome. Doctors diagnose it by: talking to the person about their symptoms taking a detailed medical history in some cases, carrying out tests toru
There's currently no cure for Charles Bonnet syndrome. Simply understanding that the hallucinations are a normal consequence of vision loss, rather than a mental health problem,can be very reassuring
If you have Charles Bonnet syndrome, talking about your hallucinations and how they make you feel may help you cope better. You could try talking to your family, friends, GP, optician, or ophthalmolog