Although vision loss is known to affect equilibrium maintenance, postural control in patients affected by low vision has been poorly investigated. We evaluated postural stability and the ability to use visual, proprioceptive and vestibular information in different low vision patterns. Ten adults with normal vision (NC), fourteen adults affected by central visual impairment (CLV) and eight adults affected by peripheral visual impairment (PLV) were enrolled in our study. Patients underwent visual, vestibular and postural evaluation (bedside examination, Computed Dynamic Posturograophy). Motor Control Tests were performed to analyze automatic postural adaptive responses elicited by unexpected postural disturbances. Clinical evaluations did not show abnormality in all patients. In the Sensory Organization Test, CLV and PLV patients performed more poorly in conditions 3–6 and 3–4, as compared to NC subjects. The condition 5 score was significantly lower in the CLV group with respect to the PLV patients. Composite equilibrium scores demonstrated significant differences between low-vision subjects vs. NC subjects. No differences were found for somatosensorial contribution. Visual afferences showed lower values in all visually impaired subjects, while vestibular contribution was lower in the CLV patients as compared to the NC and PLV patients. MCT latencies were significantly worse in the CLV subjects. In the low-vision patients, postural control was modified with a specific pattern of strategy adaptation. Different modulations of postural control and different adaptive responses seemed to characterize CLV patients as compared to PLV subjects.

Purpose: The purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate the prevalence of Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) among patients attending the National Centre of Service and Research for the Prevention of Blindness and Vision Rehabilitation of the Visually Impaired, Rome, Italy. Furthermore, the research aimed to delineate the psychological profile of these individuals to determine whether significant differences exist compared with visually impaired patients who do not experience hallucinatory phenomena and to identify likely predictors. Methods: A preliminary cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of patients recruited between January 2025 and December 2025. Prevalence was calculated based on structured clinical interviews, while the psychological profile was assessed by comparing the CBS group with a control group (non-CBS) matched for visual acuity. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmological and psychological assessments, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading acuity (RA), contrast sensitivity (CS), fixation stability, and retinal sensitivity (RS). Psychological status was evaluated using the Symptom Check List-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7). Patients experiencing CBS were further interviewed regarding the specific characteristics and patterns of their hallucinations. The association between CBS and both psychological profiles and visual function parameters was evaluated using regression analysis. Results: Out of 385 individuals screened, 120 participants (58% women; mean age 55.4 ± 18.8 years) were included; CBS was detected in 19%. No significant differences were observed between participants with and without CBS in demographic variables or psychological questionnaire scores (p > 0.05). Mean SCL-90-R, PHQ-9, and GAD-7 scores indicated mild psychological distress, depression, and anxiety, with no significant group differences (p > 0.05). Using standard cut-off values, depressive and anxiety symptoms were prevalent in 65% and 88% of participants, respectively, but were not significantly associated with CBS in chi-square or logistic regression analyses (p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis of SCL-90 scores showed that only anxiety was significantly associated with hallucination occurrence among the visually impaired participants (OR = 0.27; 95% CI = 0.08–0.87; p < 0.05). Among the visual function parameters, poorer RA in the worse eye was significantly associated with CBS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study confirms that CBS is a prevalent, yet frequently under-reported, condition within rehabilitation settings. While overall visual function did not differ significantly between patients with and without CBS, reduced reading acuity (RA) in the worse eye emerged as a potential specific risk factor. Characterizing the psychological profile of these patients is essential to differentiate the syndrome from psychiatric disorders and to develop tailored support pathways. Despite its preliminary nature, this research underscores the necessity of systematic screening to enhance clinical management and the emotional well-being of visually impaired individuals. Consequently, integrating psychological support into visual rehabilitation programs is vital to addressing the high prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression.