A survey of Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) patients revealed that social isolation due to Covid-19 lockdowns exacerbated visual hallucinations in 56% of respondents.
Studies have associated living alone and social isolation with the onset of CBS symptoms, so University College London (UCL) researchers wanted to evaluate the lockdown’s effect. They found that of the 45 patients surveyed, 47% said the reduced ability to engage in physical exercise during the pandemic increased their hallucinations, while those who felt lonely were also more likely to report an increase in symptoms.
Though there is no cure for CBS, researchers said that, “As we emerge from this pandemic, it will remain essential that all clinicians working in the ophthalmic sector are aware of the difficulties faced by individuals with CBS and be conversant with available management strategies.”
For more, https://eyeonoptics.co.nz/articles/archive/understanding-charles-bonnet-syndrome/
