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Abstract #18258 Published in IGR 3-3
Charles Bonnet syndrome in glaucoma patients with low vision
Nesher R; Nesher G; Epstein E; Assia EJournal of Glaucoma 2001; 10: 396-400
PURPOSE: To characterize the nature and frequency of Charles Bonnet syndrome in glaucoma patients with low vision. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients attending the glaucoma clinic during a period of ten months who had visual acuity of 20/80 or less in both eyes were included in this study. Each patient was questioned about the occurrence of visual hallucinations. Those who responded positively had a thorough interview relating to the characteristics of the hallucinations. Medical and social histories were taken, followed by a complete ocular examination. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Eleven patients (12.3%; eight men and three women) admitted to having experienced visual hallucinations. Except for one case, the patients had not disclosed this experience previously. Eight patients had one repeatable hallucination, and three experienced more than one sight. The visions were usually sharp, and the figures were occasionally incomplete. Most hallucinations were chromatic. Frequency of hallucinations varied between daily and weekly, and duration was mostly a few minutes. In addition to glaucoma, nine of the 11 patients had other ocular findings that could have contributed to the reduction of vision. CONCLUSIONS: Visual hallucinations are not rare in glaucoma patients with low vision. Patients tend to conceal their experience of visual hallucinations, but a discussion of these phenomena with the patient and assurance of their harmless nature will reduce his or her anxiety and concern.
Dr R. Nesher, Glaucoma Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Sapir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, 44261 Israel
