Visual News - Issue 5, Winter 2010 - Southern Health and Social ...

knowledge of your immediate surroundings can help overcome thisparticular problem.Is there a cure for Charles Bonnet Syndrome?Unfortunately at the moment there is no known cure or treatmentfor CBS. However, just knowing that it is poor vision and notmental illness that causes these problems often helps people cometo terms with them. Generally these experiences will disappearafter about a year or eighteen months but of course this will nothappen for everyone with the condition.It is worth trying to change things when the visions occur to see ifthis will help them disappear. For example, if it happens in the darkthen try switching a light on or if it happens in the light try switchingthe light off. If it happens when you are sitting down then trystanding up.Faye, who is 83 was interviewed by the Daily Telegraph states that“Everyone who is losing their sight needs to be told about CharlesBonnet,” she adds. “I‟ve learnt to live with my visitor and when Ineed to go to sleep I focus on different things – I only wish helooked more like Clark Gable!”If you have been having any of the symptoms of Charles BonnetSyndrome and have been reluctant to mention your concerns toanyone; why not use this article as a conversation starting point.Please contact your local resource centre and ask to speak to amember of the Visual Disability Team for advice and support.Page 8 of 38