Charles Bonnet syndrome is a common condition amongst people whose vision has started to deteriorate in which they begin to see things that aren’t really there (hallucinations). The hallucinations vary tremendously and can be anything from seeing a simple pattern to seeing more detailed images of people and places.
It is estimated that as many as 30% of adults who are affected by vision loss are affected by Charles Bonnet Syndrome although these figures are difficult to determine as so few people openly discuss any hallucinations they may have.
The syndrome is named after the Swiss naturalist and philosopher, Charles Bonnet who was the first person to describe the syndrome.
It is important to note that hallucinations caused by Charles Bonnet syndrome are caused by failing eyesight and do not occur as a result of a mental health problem or dementia. These hallucinations are only visual and are not accompanied by sounds or sensations.
Charles Bonnet syndrome may affect all ages but tends to occur later in life after a person’s eyesight begins to fail.