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Short-Lived Visual Hallucinations After Retinal Surgery Diagnosed as Charles Bonnet Syndrome

The episode followed reduced input from an eye treated for diabetic retinopathy, resolving as an intraocular air bubble dissipated.

Overview

  • Retired teacher Mark Bryan, 45, began seeing a recurring image six days after laser surgery on his right retina in August.
  • Surgeons inserted an air bubble to aid macular healing, with the hallucinated image shrinking as the bubble reduced.
  • An optician later identified Charles Bonnet Syndrome, a visual-only phenomenon that can occur after significant sight loss.
  • The visions lasted about ten days, appeared even with his eyes closed, and sometimes overlaid people he saw in public.
  • A repeat retinal procedure on September 10 did not bring the hallucinations back, according to Bryan.