Ghost vision, also known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome, is a phenomenon experienced by those with partial or complete vision loss, characterized by the appearance of images that aren’t actually there. While there is no definitive cure, treatments such as therapy and medication have proven helpful in some cases.
Ghost vision is a phenomenon experienced by people with partial or complete loss of vision. Also known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome, or CBS, this vision problem is characterized by the appearance of images that aren’t actually there. While there is no definitive cure for this type of health problem, there are treatments that have proven helpful in some situations, allowing the individual to be free of the emotional distress sometimes caused by hallucinations.
The ghost vision phenomenon can be extremely concerning for those who experience it. The images can sometimes be quite benign, such as the outward appearance of an old friend or other loved one. However, some people with ghost vision experience episodes where the images are extremely disturbing in their content. Since the image cannot be blocked, the individual suffers with the image until it begins to vanish as mysteriously as it first manifested. Often, the image is so clear and real that the individual, at least momentarily, believes he is seeing what everyone else can see.
Several conditions can predispose individuals to experience ghost vision. Gradual deterioration of the eyes resulting in the development of glaucoma or loss of peripheral vision is often seen among people with Charles Bonnet syndrome. This is especially true when peripheral vision loss is associated with partial or complete loss of central vision. Damage to the optic nerves from wood alcohol poisoning also appears to increase the chances of seeing ghost images.
While there are several potential origins for ghost vision, not everyone with these conditions will develop this type of disease. In fact, most people who experience vision loss due to old age or some type of damage to the optic nerve have never had even a mild case. While rare, false vision does occur often enough for healthcare professionals to diagnose the disease and use a few different approaches to treatment.
In some cases, the phantom vision goes away as quickly as it came and does not require any treatment. Some people respond very well to therapy, leading some in the mental health community to determine that the source of the problem is at least partly psychological. Sometimes, combining therapy with medications such as antidepressants will cause the false visions to cease. Other approaches include blinking exercises and other activities that make it easier to ignore the hallucinations.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
