Background: The eponym Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) refers to the occurrence of formed visual hallucinations in aged individuals with normal cognition and insight. It has been described in association with various pathologies leading to deterioration of vision, at all levels of the visual system. The occurrence of CBS in Glaucoma patients is not well documented and its prevalence is unknown.
Objective: Characterization of the nature and frequency of CBS in glaucoma patients with low vision.
Methods: All patients attending the glaucoma clinic between May 1997 and February 1998, with visual acuity of 20/80 or less in both eyes were included in this cross sectional study. Those who responded positively were thoroughly interviewed on the nature of the sights. Medical, Psychiatric and Social history were taken followed by a complete ocular examination. A modified Mini-Mental test was used to assess cognitive status.
Results: Inclusion criteria were met by 89 patients. 11 patients (12.3%), eight men and three women,mean age 74 admitted to have experienced hallucinations. Eight patients had one repeatable vision, three patients experienced more than one sight. 10 of the 11 have never revealed this experience to anyone before this study. Nine of the eleven patients had additional ocular pathology aside from glaucoma.
Conclusion: Visual hallucinations are not rare in glaucoma patients with low-vision. A discussion of these phenomena with the patients and assurance of their harmless nature, will reduce patients’ anxiety and concerns.