Charles Bonnet Syndrome is the onset of hallucinations once a person’s vision begins to deteriorate. These hallucinations may consist of simple light patterns, or they can be very detailed images of people, objects or landscapes. The main cause of Charles Bonnet syndrome is thought to be the brain’s reaction to vision loss. Once the brain does not receive the same visual information that it is used to, stored or fantastical images are created to fill the gaps.
“Stuck in the Clouds” ~ These hallucinations can be either static or moving. While they are not usually unpleasant or threatening, they can be frightening or confusing when first experienced.“Morning Routine” ~ These hallucinations can occur out of the blue, during any daily activities. They may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.“Living Room” ~ Well-known spaces can become distorted or completely unrecognizable. This is especially common during landscape hallucinations. Some people can overcome this obstacle by working on spatial awareness in order to complete habits despite their distorted perception of surroundings.“Learning to Adapt” ~ There is currently no cure for Charles Bonnet syndrome. These hallucinations are a normal consequence of vision loss. Still, speaking with family, friends, and mental health professionals may help unpack any feelings of fear, confusion or sadness. While Charles Bonnet syndrome is not a mental health condition, many people with the syndrome still speak with mental health professionals in order to come to terms with their hallucinations.
