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Updated: May 8, 2026

A Murine Model of Ischemic Retinal Injury Induced by Transient Bilateral Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Published on: November 12, 2020
[Charles Bonnet syndrome precipitated by brimonidine]
M R García-Catalán1, P Arriola-Villalobos, E Santos-Bueso
1Unidad de Neurooftalmología, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, España. rociogarciacatalan@gmail.com
Case Report:
An 81-year-old woman with age-related macular degeneration and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma developed visual hallucinations (faces, flowers and frames) shortly after beginning brimonidine drops. Neurologic and psychiatric examination was normal. Visual hallucinations disappeared within 10 days after discontinuing the drug.
Discussion:
The Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is characterised by complex visual hallucinations in elderly patients in the setting of significant visual impairment without any psychiatric symptoms. Awareness of CBS among ophthalmologist is essential. Clinicians should treat visual impairment and be aware of possible visual hallucinations in patients treated with brimonidine.
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