Charles Bonnet Syndrome: Three Cases

Abstract

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is characterized by the presence of visual hallucinations due to the decrease in visual acuity or loss of vision without any pschiatric problem. We report three patients of aged 73, 76, and 75 years with a severe loss of vision due to ocular diseases and visual hallucinations. Case 1 was a man aged 73 years who presented with visual hallucinations that completely recovered after cataract surgery. Case 2 was woman aged 75 years with severe visual impairment from end-stage age-related macular degeneration, thus visual hallucinations continued to persist. Case 3 was legally blind with CBS-type visual hallucinations and amnestic dementia syndrome. CBS may terminate spontaneously or continue for months or years. Ideally, the patient should be considered for ophthalmologic intervention. Although CBS is benign, the visual hallucinations can cause great anxiety for patients. Patients should be warned about the adverse effects of pharmacologic therapy. Cognitive decline may occur at early stages or later.