Nonpsychotic Hallucinations and Impaired Vision: The Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Charles Bonnet syndrome is a clinical entity that presents with visual hallucinations in patients with worsening visual acuity and no underlying neuropsychiatric disorder. A 93-year-old male presented to the emergency department complaining of complex visual hallucinations. He had been without his prescription glasses as they were being repaired. After work-up and medication review, no underlying drug or neuropsychiatric disease was found. Moreover, the hallucinations resolved after his vision improved. This case illustrates a frequently missed clinical entity in our practice. Clinical suspicion and reassurance are paramount for adequate patient care.

Automated summary

Charles Bonnet syndrome is a clinical entity characterized by visual hallucinations in patients with declining visual acuity and no underlying neuropsychiatric disorder. Clinical suspicion and reassurance are crucial for adequate patient care when encountering such cases.