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Charles Bonnet Syndrome
Do you have sight problems and are you seeing things which aren't really there?
This is called Charles Bonnet Syndrome
- or CBS for short
What you are seeing are called visual hallucinations.
These images can appear suddenly and look very real, which can be confusing and frightening
- but they are not real.
Em is our friendly CBS monster.
She's here to help you understand more about CBS.
Watch Em's video here!
What images do people see?
You might see patterns and shapes or even animals, people and buildings. The images can be colourful and very details
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Some people may see strange faces, creepy insects or even dark shadows. Everyone is different and experiences CBS in their own way.
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CBS happens because your eyesight is not as good as it was and the information from the eye to the brain has gaps in it. The brain fills in the gaps by creating its own images.
Many children and adults around the world have problems with their eyesight and CBS is more common than you might think.
The images don't usually last long. Some people have them often, but others may have them only once in a while.
Why does it happen?
What to do when it happens
Stay calm
Remind yourself that this is just your brain playing tricks because of your eyesight. The images are not real and can't hurt you
Change what you are doing
Distracting yourself by moving around or focusing on something else, like moving or singing, can make the image fade away
Blink or look away
Try blinking or looking in a different direction. This can sometimes make the image disappear faster.
Turn on a light
If you see an image in the dark or dim light, turning on a light might help make the image go away.
Talk to someone
If the images are scary or upsetting, tell a parent, guardian or a friend. They can comfort you and help you feel less worried.
Remember!
You can talk about it.
You are not in danger.
It's not your fault.
You are not imagining the images.
There is nothing wrong with your brain.
The images are not real.
You are not alone.
A message from Miles Northwood
Click this button for:
Children and young people leaflet
Click this button for:
Parents & Teachers leaflet
For more information on Esme's Children & Young People, contact Nina at: nina@charlesbonnetsyndrome.uk
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