People living with Parkinson's often have trouble with their eyes. Parkinson's disease can short-circuit nerve signals between your eyes and your brain. It can so impair the muscles and nerves that control eye movement.
There are a number of muscles that control eye motion. Those muscles respond to signals from nerves. Just as PD interferes with nerve signals to arm and leg muscles causing freezing, Parkinson's can also freeze up eyes and cause them to falter.
Double vision is somewhat common. Fortunately Parkinson's medications often ease double vision by boosting dopamine levels. However, some Parkinson's medications, especially anticholinergic agents, can promote blurry vision.
Dry eyes, tired eyes, and sensitivity to light are also common disturbances for people living with PD.
To alleviate eye problems doctors often suggest:
- Using more light when you read.
- Applying artificial tears.
- Doing eye-intensive activities when your medications are working well.
It's hard to distinguish between Parkinson's disease-related eye problems and natural, age-related changes in vision. Your ophthalmologist and neurologist can help you tell the difference.
Source:
Neurology, December 2005
Parkinson's Disease Foundation, September 2004
