A 61–year–old patient suffered from
Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) while his visual acuity
declined, whereas CBS subsided after he became blind.
These findings suggest that reduction of visual acuity
(dynamic or acute impairment) has a greater impact on
the onset of CBS than low visual acuity (static or chronic
impairment) per se in some patients. They may also explain
why patients with low visual acuity do not always
suffer from CBS. Although further studies are required,
the present case highlights the importance of the differentiation
between lowering and low visual acuity in the
etiology of CBS.
Key words Charles Bonnet syndrome - visual
hallucinations - visual acuity - sensory deprivation