Out of Sight, Still in Sight: Charles Bonnet Syndrome Following Traumatic Vision Loss
Siti Nur Najibah Fauzi, Zahiruddin Othman
Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science June 27, 2026 DOI: 10.3329/bjms.v25i3.90576 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 22-year-old female university student with total vision loss following an acid attack |
| Key findings | A 22-year-old woman with total vision loss after an acid attack developed complex visual hallucinations consistent with Charles Bonnet Syndrome while retaining insight and showing no other psychotic symptoms. The hallucinations were initially distressing but became less troubling as she adapted. The authors argue that CBS should be differentiated from primary psychotic disorders, that trauma may play a role in its pathogenesis, and that psychoeducation and supportive interventions after sudden vision loss can prevent misdiagnosis and distress. |
Abstract
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a condition characterized by complex visual hallucinations in individuals with visual impairment, occurring in the absence of hallucinations in other sensory modalities or additional psychotic symptoms. Despite maintaining insight into the non-reality of these hallucinations, affected individuals often experience significant distress, fearing they may be developing a psychiatric illness. This report presents a case of a 22-year-old female university student who developed CBS following total vision loss due to an acid attack by her partner after an argument. Initially, the patient experienced distressing visual hallucinations, which gradually became less troubling as she adapted to them. This case underscores the importance of differentiating CBS from primary psychotic disorders, the potential role of trauma in its pathogenesis, and the necessity of psychoeducation and supportive interventions for individuals with sudden vision loss to prevent unnecessary psychiatric misdiagnosis and psychological distress. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 25 No. 03 July’26 Page: 997-1000