Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS for short) is the term used to describe the visual hallucinations that people who have significant bilateral vision loss sometimes experience. They usually know the hallucinations are not real but the hallucinations/visions take a wide range of forms from simple patterns of lines to complex and detailed pictures of people, animals, buildings and landscapes. When the visions are similar to an individuals normal environment it can be difficult to tell if they are real.

The existing research indicates that CBS affects at least 11-15 percent of those individuals who have bilateral vision loss of the 20/100 level or worse; it is most common amongst the elderly. It is believed that 15 percent is a low estimate since this is rarely a self-reported condition; many people who experience it think it represents mental illness.

This condition presents an opportunity to Rehabilitation professionals to educate their clients about a common condition that can be quite distressing to clients. It has resulted in serious misdiagnosis resulting in psychiatric confinement, the administration of needless medication and the establishment of guardianships.

Eye care professionals rarely ask their patients whether they have or are experiencing visual hallucinations and even less frequently tell them about the potential to develop CBS. General practitioners and Family physicians in many cases are not even aware that Charles Bonnet Syndrome exists.

The Macular Disease Foundation has developed a brochure for distribution to individuals who have or who may develop CBS to explain the condition and some possible interventions. To order it, mail the following information to the Foundation:

Your Name:

Street Address:

City, State, Zip:

Please answer the following questions:

Have you experienced Visual Hallucinations? (Yes or No)

Had you heard of CBS prior to this request? (Yes or No)

Mail to:

Macular Disease Foundation
P.O. Box 55004
Virginia Beach, VA 23471-5004

Send email to MWBMDF at juno dot com for information about the Foundation or its events.

Macular Disease Foundation