Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 10, 2026
06:15
A Surgical Approach for Optic Nerve Crush in a Rabbit Model
Published on: July 8, 2025
1.5K
Reversible Charles Bonnet Syndrome After Oculoplastic Procedures
Robert A Beaulieu1, Diana A Tamboli, Blair K Armstrong
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
Summary
Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) causes visual hallucinations in people with severe vision loss. This report details transient CBS in patients experiencing temporary vision impairment after eye surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
Background:
- Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is characterized by visual hallucinations in individuals with significant visual impairment, often due to conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
- CBS is not associated with psychiatric disorders, distinguishing it from other hallucination-inducing conditions.
Observation:
- Three cases of CBS are presented in patients following oculoplastic surgical procedures.
- One patient experienced binocular visual distortion attributed to excessive ophthalmic ointment application.
- Two patients developed monocular visual impairment secondary to eye patching.
Findings:
- In all reported cases, visual hallucinations resolved as the patients' vision returned to its preoperative baseline.
- These cases suggest a link between temporary iatrogenic vision impairment and the manifestation of CBS.
Implications:
- The findings highlight that transient CBS can occur in postoperative patients experiencing temporary visual disturbances.
- Oculoplastic surgeons and ophthalmologists should consider iatrogenic visual impairment as a potential trigger for CBS symptoms.
- Recognizing this association can aid in the diagnosis and management of visual disturbances in the postoperative setting.
