World Parkinson’s Day is observed annually on April 11th to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that primarily affects the motor system. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop slowly over time, and the progression of symptoms is often a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.
People living with Parkinson’s may experience a wide range of symptoms. While most people recognise the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance, there are also non-motor symptoms that can be just as challenging to manage.
Among the non-motor symptoms are various vision-related issues:
- Blurred Vision: Individuals with Parkinson’s may experience changes in vision, which include blurred vision. This can be due to the reduced blinking and decreased eye movement associated with the disease, leading to challenges in focusing.
- Dry Eyes: Reduced blinking can result in dry eyes, which can cause discomfort and contribute to blurred vision.
- Difficulty Blinking: Parkinson’s can affect the muscles around the eyes, causing an infrequent blink rate, which leads to eye irritation and dryness.
- Double Vision (Diplopia): Muscle imbalances or eye coordination difficulties may lead to double vision, making daily activities more challenging.
- Glaucoma: There is ongoing research to understand the link between glaucoma and Parkinson’s disease, with some studies suggesting that glaucoma is more common among those with Parkinson’s.
- Cataracts: Although cataracts are generally related to ageing, and not directly to Parkinson’s disease, the presence of cataracts can further impair the vision of someone with Parkinson’s.
It is crucial for individuals with Parkinson’s to have regular eye examinations and to discuss any changes in their vision with their healthcare provider. Treatment for these eye symptoms can involve various approaches, including medications, special glasses to help with specific visual problems, and eye exercises.
Awareness and education are essential on World Parkinson’s Day to help the public understand the breadth of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and to encourage support for those living with the disease and their caregivers. This day also serves to highlight the importance of research in finding better treatments and ultimately a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
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