Parkinson’s Disease

Did you know Parkinson’s disease can affect more than just movement? Many people with Parkinson’s experience vision changes like blurred or double vision, trouble focusing, or even dry eyes. At DeyeNAMICS in California, Connecticut, Iowa, and Texas, the teams have the expertise to find the right treatment to help patients see better. Learn more by calling the friendly office staff today or using the online booking feature.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and coordination. It occurs because of the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate movement and coordination. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson’s experience a range of motor and nonmotor symptoms that worsen over time.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Tremors: shaking, often starting in the hands or fingers
• Bradykinesia: slowed movements, making everyday tasks harder
• Rigidity: muscle stiffness that limits range of motion
• Postural instability: difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to falls
• Speech changes: speaking softly or with slurred speech

Other symptoms may include depression, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, and difficulties with writing or other fine motor skills.

How does Parkinson’s disease affect vision?

Parkinson’s disease can lead to a range of vision problems due to its impact on the brain’s ability to control eye movements. Common vision issues include:

• Blurred vision: difficulty focusing on objects, especially when moving from one to another
• Double vision: misalignment of the eyes caused by weakened eye muscles, leading to overlapping images
• Difficulty with eye movements: challenges tracking moving objects or quickly shifting focus, which can affect reading and navigation
• Dry eyes: reduced blinking rate can lead to discomfort and dryness, affecting overall vision clarity

Some Parkinson’s patients may also experience visual hallucinations, seeing things that aren’t there, particularly in the advanced stages of the disease.

I have Parkinson’s disease. Can you treat my vision issues?

Yes, the DeyeNAMICS team can treat vision issues caused by Parkinson’s disease. While the underlying condition itself can’t be cured, various treatments can help improve vision-related symptoms, including:

• Glasses or prisms: special lenses or prisms can address double vision or focus problems
• Vision therapy: exercises designed to strengthen eye muscles and improve coordination
• Artificial tears: these help relieve dry eye symptoms
• Neuro-Visual Postural Therapy™ (NVPT): helps realign posture and reduce or eliminate the visual field neglect

Work with the DeyeNAMICS eye care specialists experienced in neurological conditions to receive personalized treatment that can enhance your vision and improve your quality of life.

Book an appointment today if you or a loved one has vision issues because of Parkinson’s disease. Call or click online now.