Seeing things from vision loss (Charles Bonnet syndrome)

Overview

People usually know what they see isn't real.

Telling family helps, since many people worry it's dementia.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Seeing things that aren't there

Less common

• Patterns or shapes
• Seeing faces or animals

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision

When to get medical care

Causes

Vision loss.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma

Diagnosis

A clinician reviews your vision and memory.

Questions you may be asked

• Eye conditions

Treatment

Simple tricks help.

Self-care

• Blink or move your eyes
• Change the lighting
• Look directly at the image
• Tell family about it
• Get regular eye exams
• Use good lighting

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Treat eye disease early

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• American Foundation for the Blind: Help for people with vision loss and their families.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Older adults: Very common after vision loss.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
• Make the home safe from falls.
• Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Harmless; often fades.

Often fades within a year or two.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could this be something else?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Seeing things from vision loss (Charles Bonnet syndrome)