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Visual hallucinations in patients with retinal disease.

I U Scott¹, O D Schein, W J Feuer

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33101, USA. iscott@bpei.med.miami.edu

American Journal of Ophthalmology

|May 5, 2001

Summary

Visual hallucinations are common in retinal disease patients, often underdiagnosed. These hallucinations are linked to emotional distress and reduced quality of life, especially in those with better vision.

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Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Neuroscience
Psychiatry

Background:

Visual hallucinations (VH) can occur in patients with retinal disease.
The prevalence and characteristics of VH in this population are not well-understood.
The impact of VH on patient well-being requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the prevalence and nature of VH in patients with retinal disease.
To assess if VH predicts functional status, quality of life, and emotional distress.
To adjust for visual acuity in the analysis.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional study involving 86 patients at a retinal vascular center.
Utilized multiple validated questionnaires including the Sickness Impact Profile and Visual Phenomena Interview.
Assessed visual hallucinations, functional status, quality of life, and emotional distress.

Main Results:

A prevalence of 15.1% for visual hallucinations was observed.
Most hallucinations were formed, brief, and occurred in clear consciousness.
VH were associated with female sex, worse visual acuity, bilateral impairment, emotional distress, and lower quality of life.

Conclusions:

Visual hallucinations are common and underdiagnosed in retinal disease patients.
VH are not linked to cognitive deficits or psychiatric history.
Among patients with relatively good vision, VH correlate with increased emotional distress and reduced quality of life.