What is Charles Bonnet Syndrome?

Seeing things that are not really there can be frightening for both patients and their families. Many people immediately worry about dementia, mental illness, or a neurological condition. However, in some cases, these visual hallucinations are caused by a little-known condition called Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS).

Charles Bonnet Syndrome occurs in people with significant sight loss. When the brain receives less visual information from the eyes, it may begin creating images of its own, resulting in visual hallucinations. Although the hallucinations can seem very real, the person usually understands that what they are seeing is not actually present.

What Do People See?

People with Charles Bonnet Syndrome may experience:

• Faces or people

• Animals or insects

• Patterns or shapes

• Buildings or objects

• Detailed scenes or landscapes

The hallucinations are purely visual and do not usually involve sounds, voices, or physical sensations.

What Causes Charles Bonnet Syndrome?

Charles Bonnet Syndrome is most commonly associated with eye conditions that cause sight loss, including:

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Diabetic eye disease

• Other causes of visual impairment

The condition is particularly common in people living with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of sight loss in older adults. As vision becomes reduced, the brain receives less visual information and may compensate by creating images. If you would like to learn more about AMD, read our guide to Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Importantly, Charles Bonnet Syndrome is caused by sight loss and is not a mental health condition.

Is Charles Bonnet Syndrome the Same as Dementia?

No. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Charles Bonnet Syndrome is that it is linked to dementia.

People with Charles Bonnet Syndrome are usually aware that the hallucinations are not real. Their memory, thinking, and understanding are generally unaffected.

However, if hallucinations are accompanied by confusion, memory loss, personality changes, or behavioural changes, medical advice should be sought to investigate other possible causes.

Can Charles Bonnet Syndrome Be Treated?

There is currently no specific cure for Charles Bonnet Syndrome. However, managing the underlying eye condition and improving vision where possible may help reduce symptoms.

Some people find that changing lighting conditions, blinking repeatedly, or looking directly at the hallucination can make it disappear.

For many individuals, simply understanding what Charles Bonnet Syndrome is can be extremely reassuring and help reduce anxiety.

When Should You Seek Help?

If you or a loved one begins experiencing visual hallucinations, it is important to arrange an eye examination and seek medical advice to rule out other causes.

An optometrist can assess vision, identify underlying eye conditions, and advise whether Charles Bonnet Syndrome may be contributing to the symptoms.

How ClearSight Domiciliary Can Help

ClearSight Domiciliary provides professional home eye tests for housebound patients, older adults, and care home residents across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Yorkshire.

Using modern portable equipment, our experienced optometrists carry out comprehensive eye examinations in the comfort of the patient’s home. We specialise in dementia-friendly, unrushed eye care and regularly support patients living with visual impairment and complex health conditions.

If you are concerned about changes in vision, visual hallucinations, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye health concerns, our team is here to help.

Call 0333 335 5350 or visit  ClearSight Domiciliary⁠ to learn more about our home eye testing services.