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.