Macular Society funds research into techniques for reducing Charles Bonnet Syndrome hallucinations

A new study will explore whether specific eye movements and distraction techniques help to reduce the impact of hallucinations in Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

The research, which is funded by the Macular Society, will test whether the two most commonly recommended techniques for reducing hallucinations are effective.

Professor Robin Walker, from Royal Holloway University of London, highlighted the distressing nature of Charles Bonnet hallucinations for patients.

“We want to know which techniques are most effective as a way of helping those patients who experience them,” he said.

Walker added that nobody has formally evaluated whether the recommended techniques work or whether one is more effective than the other.

“This trial aims to help us understand whether the current recommendations for stopping Charles Bonnet Syndrome do help and having proof of whether these therapies can help stop an hallucination would ensure that these techniques are better promoted to those who might need them,” he said.

Those interested in being involved in the study can contact the university research team by email.