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Related Experiment Videos

The formed visual hallucinations associated with vision loss.

S M Eagan1, J A Williams

  • 1New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Optometry (St. Louis, Mo.)
|August 26, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Formed visual hallucinations are common in visually impaired patients. While these hallucinations can persist, their frequency often decreases over time, suggesting an organic cause.

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Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Neurology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Acquired visual impairment can lead to formed visual hallucinations in patients without mental illness.
  • These vivid hallucinations are often not disclosed to clinicians.
  • The study investigates the prevalence and long-term changes of these visual phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Determine the prevalence of formed visual hallucinations in visually impaired adults.
  • Characterize the nature and changes in these hallucinations over a two-year period.

Main Methods:

  • A survey of 88 visually impaired adult patients was conducted, recording demographic and clinical data, including hallucination descriptions.
  • Subjects who reported hallucinations in the initial survey were re-evaluated more than two years later to assess changes.

Main Results:

  • 10.2% of subjects reported current formed visual hallucinations, often of human faces or figures.
  • An additional 5.6% reported a history of hallucinations that had resolved or changed to unformed types.
  • Of those re-surveyed, hallucinations persisted in most, with a tendency towards reduced frequency over time, even with declining vision.

Conclusions:

  • Formed visual hallucinations are a notable occurrence in individuals with significant acquired visual impairment.
  • These hallucinations can be persistent but may decrease in frequency over time.
  • Isolated visual hallucinations without psychopathology suggest an organic origin, offering opportunities for patient care and education.

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