Macular Degeneration Foundation Produces Video Explaining a Common Cause of Visual Hallucinations Among the Visually Impaired?

Henderson, NV, August 10, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric disorder, Charles Bonnet Syndrome is characterized by visual hallucinations ranging from simple patterns, faces and landscapes to complex motion pictures of strange and sometimes disturbing scenes.

Identified over 250 years ago by lawyer and naturalist Charles Bonnet, the syndrome remains virtually unknown by most physicians. It primarily affects those who have lost or are losing their eyesight when the brain attempts to compensate for the loss of normal input from the eyes.

In an effort to educate and reassure the visually impaired who may think they're going crazy, the Macular Degeneration Foundation (eyesight.org) has produced a 40 minute video made available online for free. It features both a brain scientist, Dr. Oliver Sacks, and 93 year old Marge Louer, who tells her personal story of coping with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. (Link to Video)

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