Charles Bonnet Syndrome: When Vision Loss Triggers Vivid Hallucinations
Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) causes vivid visual hallucinations in people with significant vision loss, particularly those with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies indicate CBS affects roughly one in six individuals with retinal disease. The condition arises when the brain's visual cortex, deprived of input, becomes overexcitable. While often mistaken for dementia or mental illness, CBS is a normal response to vision loss that typically diminishes over time. Early awareness and medical consultation can alleviate patient anxiety and improve management.
