Charles Bonnet syndrome is a condition in which someone with poor vision experiences visual hallucinations, or seeing things that aren’t there. It occurs in individuals who have lost a significant portion of their sight due to age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, or other conditions that affect vision. It may also arise after cataract surgery or after a stroke. Charles Bonnet syndrome is not due to dementia , psychosis , or other mental health problems—though some wh
Managing and Treating Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Charles Bonnet syndrome can be frustrating and isolating. It may also present practical challenges—for example, persistent visual hallucinations, combined with significant vision loss, may make it harder for someone to navigate their surroundings. Though there is no cure, fortunately, symptoms often fade with time; simple exercises could help someone reduce the frequency and intensity of their hallucinations.
Currently, there is no cure for Charles Bonnet syndrome. However, hallucinations tend to lessen with time—perhaps because the brain adapts to reduced visual stimulation and no longer finds it necessary to compensate as aggressively.
When a hallucination appears, some evidence suggests that certain eye movements could help dispel it. Try blinking or closing your eyes, or moving your eyes back and forth without moving your head. Other strategies include standing up and walking around, changing the lighting—for example, moving to a brighter room if you’re in a dark space—or trying to focus on or even touch the hallucination.
Hallucinations can worsen if you’re tired or stressed ; making an effort to get enough sleep could help lessen their frequency. Keeping your home well-lit can also help; time spent in dark rooms has been shown to increase the risk of hallucinations. Finally, it’s important to keep up with routine eye exams, even if you’ve already lost a significant amount of vision; an eye doctor can help you stay ahead of any changes and better adapt to life with poorer sight.
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