THE CHARLES-BONNET-SYNDROME - A LARGE PROSPECTIVE-STUDY IN THE NETHERLANDS - A STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF THE CHARLES-BONNET-SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN 500 PATIENTS ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY AT NIJMEGEN

Background. The aims were to determine the prevalence of the Charles B onnet syndrome (CBS) in low-vision patients and analyse possible assoc iated ophthalmic and sociodemographic factors. Method. A semi-structur ed interview on visual hallucinations was given to 300 adult low-visio n patients and 200 elderly general ophthalmic patients. Positive cases were examined with the Geriatric Mental State Schedule and the Mini M ental State Examination. Diagnostic criteria were as follows: complex, persistent, or repetitive visual hallucinations; full or partial rete ntion of insight; no hallucinations in other modalities; and no delusi ons. Ophthalmic and sociodemographic data were gathered for all patien ts. Results. The prevalence of CBS in low-vision patients was 11%. CBS was significantly associated with an age over 64 years and a visual a cuity in the best eye of 0.3 or less. No significant associations with ophthalmic diagnoses, patient sex, marital status, or social circumst ances were found. Conclusion. Our findings support association of CBS with sensory deprivation and advanced age.