LOOKING GLASS

The health conditions linked to declining eyesight. This week: Charles Bonnet Syndrome A DETERIORATION in sight can lead to a phenomenon called Charles Bonnet Syndrome, which causes ‘hallucinations’. According to Badrul Hussain, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London, this is most commonly the result of age-related macular degeneration, which affects the central vision.

Mr Hussain explains that ‘effectively the retina [the photographic film at the back of the eye] is still sending signals from the light to the brain. As the retina is not working well, sometimes those signals are misinterpreted by the brain which “makes up” images.’

‘If you are experiencing what you think are unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to mention this to your consultant or the team looking after you.’