What it is
It is most common in people with macular degeneration, glaucoma or cataracts. People usually know the images are not real.
There is no specific treatment, but hallucinations often become less frequent over time. Changing the lighting, blinking or moving the eyes can help an episode stop.
Common signs
- Seeing simple patterns, shapes or flashes
- Seeing detailed images of people, animals or scenes
- Knowing that the images are not real
- Hallucinations that last seconds to hours
How it is usually diagnosed
- Eye examination to understand the sight loss
- Ruling out other causes of hallucinations, such as medicines, infection or dementia
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Eye clinic reports
- A diary of when hallucinations happen
- A list of medicines
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my sight loss being treated as well as possible?
- Could any of my medicines be contributing?
- What can I do during an episode?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Hallucinations with confusion, fever or sudden changes in behaviour may be another condition and need urgent care
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.