Symptoms of Charles Bonnet Syndrome reported by one in five patients with genetic eye disease

Scientists from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have examined the prevalence of visual hallucinations in patients with inherited retinal disease.

In a study published in BMJ Open Ophthalmology, researchers reported their findings from a survey of 91 patients with inherited retinal disease.

Among the study participants, 18.6% reported visual hallucinations – with those who had a lower level of visual acuity more likely to report hallucinations.

Around half of patients (53%) who experienced hallucinations had heard of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS).

The hallucinations that study participants reported seeing included geometric shapes, lights, faces and people.

As a result of the study, the clinicians involved in the research changed their practice to routinely make inherited retinal disease patients aware of CBS, with the option to take away written information on the condition or consult an eye clinic liaison officer about coping strategies.

The authors noted that sometimes people who experience visual hallucinations can be reluctant to talk about their symptoms because of shame or fear.

“It is remarkable that the simple act of informing a patient at risk of CBS about the syndrome can lift such a burden of associated stigma,” they emphasised.