Going Crazy? Or Just Visually Impaired? Free Video Explains Hallucinations Brought on by Low Vision

Henderson, NV, August 31, 2011 --(PR.com)-- What many psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurologists don't know, but many low vision patients do, is that hallucinations are not all psychotic.

Identified over 250 years ago, Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) remains virtually unknown by most physicians. It is characterized by visual hallucinations ranging from simple patterns, faces, and landscapes to complex motion pictures of strange and sometimes disturbing scenes. Sometimes compared to phantom limb syndrome, CBS affects individuals with diminished eyesight whose brains attempt to compensate for the loss of normal input. Those who are affected report that the syndrome can be irritating, but it is harmless.

The Macular Degeneration Foundation (eyesight.org) offers a free 40 minute video online in an effort to draw the attention of the professional community and to educate and reassure the visually impaired that they aren't "going crazy." The video features a TED Talks (www.ted.com) presentation by renowned author/scientist Dr. Oliver Sacks, followed by an interview with 93-year-old retired educator Marge Louer, who tells her personal story of coping with Charles Bonnet Syndrome.

The MDF hopes this will help bring awareness of a condition that is often tragically misdiagnosed and mistreated by otherwise well-meaning professionals who work with the human mind. (Link to Video)

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