Acute Reversible Charles Bonnet Syndrome Following Eye Patch Placement

Abstract

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is characterised by recurrent vivid visual hallucinations in the presence of normal cognition. We present a case of CBS secondary to eye patching following Pars Plana Vitrectomy with an unusually acute onset in a 48-year-old woman. She presented with formed visual hallucinations that started less than 30 min after patching of her left eye. The patch was removed after 2 d, and these hallucinations persisted 2 d following eye patch removal. It is important that the ophthalmic surgeon be aware of the potential for development of CBS and offer appropriate referral and reassurance should it occur.

Acute Onset of Charles Bonnet Syndrome After Unilateral Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in the Background of Tense Orbit

“…It has been suggested that CBS risk is related more with the dynamic decrease of vision in sight-impaired patients or the acute decline of vision, rather than the low visual acuity itself (4). One of the most prevalent theories suggests that the acute visual impairment is a result of the hyperactivation of visual-related cortex, due to changes in neurotransmission during the early recovery period (1,3,5). The above theory could explain our case, in which the recovery period was short, with only 3 days of symptoms, and the cessation of the visual hallucinations indicated the end of it.…”