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Charles Bonnet syndrome is named after a Swiss philosopher. Charles Bonnet lived 250 years ago and lost his site to cataracts. Instead he began having visions, he could see patterns, birds, and people that were not there.
What are the causes of CBS? The main cause is the loss of vision and the reactions from the brain when this happens. Why hallucinations occur when sight is lost isn’t known, but research is revealing the relation of how the eyes work with the brain. Current research is suggesting that information seen through the eyes is then sent to the brain. This then stops the brain creating its own images. When sight is lost the brain does not receive the same amount of information so it fills these gaps with fantasy pictures, people and patterns. When this happens its what’s known as hallucinations. CBS shows that this begins in the weeks or months following the loss of sight.
How do I know if I have CBS? If you have already lost your sight to macular degeneration or glaucoma and hallucinations start you may have CBS. Sadly, there is no test to confirm CBS. Specialists will try to rule out other causes of hallucinations by talking with you. At this stage mental health problems need to be ruled out. It is always wise to remember that CBS is caused by the loss of sigh and not linked with any other health problem. CBS hallucinations only affect your sight which means that people with CBS don’t hear, feel or smell thinks that aren’t there.
At the moment there is no cure for CBS. When you have experienced CBS the most effective form of treatment is actually knowing that this condition is not a mental health problem but is due to sight loss. Although there is no proven drug to stop these hallucinations. Drugs that have been tried are very strong and are usually design for epilepsy, Parkinsons and other mental health problems.
Having hallucinations is very frightening in addition to loosing your sight. They can make you very anxious and confused but these are all natural reactions.