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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Ian McKeith, Dr Clive Ballard
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Objective: Studies suggest a link between visual acuity and visual hallucinations in dementia, but links with specific eye pathologies have not been evaluated. Method: Fifty patients (20 with visual hallucinations, 30 without) with probable Alzheimer's disease had an evaluation of psychotic symptoms. Visual acuity was measured before and after refractions, and ophthalmological examinations included standardized assessments for cataracts and macular degeneration. Results: Impaired visual acuity and the severity of cognitive impairments were significantly associated with visual hallucinations. No patients with normal acuity (6/5 or 6/6 on the Snellen chart) experienced these symptoms. Impaired acuity improved with refraction in 60% (N=12) of the patients with visual hallucinations. Of specific eye pathologies, only cataracts were significantly associated with visual hallucinations. Descriptive follow-up information suggests that an optician's assessment for glasses improves outcome. Conclusions: Glasses and cataract surgery need evaluation as prophylactic or adjunctive treatments for visual hallucinations in patients with probable Alzheimer's disease.
Author(s): McKeith I; Ballard C; Chapman FM; Dickinson J
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry
Year: 1999
Volume: 156
Issue: 12
Pages: 1983-1985
Print publication date: 01/12/1999
ISSN (print): 0002-953X
ISSN (electronic): 1535-7228
Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.
