How good vision supports independence in Parkinson’s

What is Parkinson's?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that messes with the brain’s ability to control movement.

It happens when dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra start dying off.

Dopamine is the chemical that helps send signals in the brain to coordinate movement—so when there’s not enough of it, things start to go wonky.

Main symptoms include:

• Tremors (shaky hands, especially at rest)
• Slowness of movement (called bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness
• Balance and coordination issues

No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s probably a mix of genetics and environmental triggers.

There’s no cure yet, but there are meds, therapies and lifestyle tweaks that can help manage symptoms and keep quality of life up.

How Parkinson’s Affects Vision 

While Parkinson’s is primarily known for affecting movement, it also impacts the eyes in ways that can make life trickier. Common vision-related symptoms include: 

• Blurred or double vision, which can make reading, driving or recognising faces difficult. 
• Difficulty adjusting to light changes, meaning moving from bright to dim environments can be disorienting. 
• Trouble tracking movement, which can make reading frustrating, as the eyes struggle to move smoothly across a page. 
• Dry eyes or irritation, which can lead to discomfort and increased sensitivity to light. 

Why clear vision matters for independence 

Good vision is key to maintaining independence.  

It affects: 

• Mobility and balance – poor vision increases the risk of falls, especially in unfamiliar environments. 
• Reading and communication – whether it’s reading medication labels, emails or messages, clear vision keeps people connected. 
• Daily tasks – cooking, shopping and self-care all rely on being able to see clearly and confidently. 

How Parkinson’s affects vision

While Parkinson’s is primarily known for affecting movement, it also impacts the eyes in ways that can make life trickier. Common vision-related symptoms include: 

• Blurred or double vision, which can make reading, driving or recognising faces difficult. 
• Difficulty adjusting to light changes, meaning moving from bright to dim environments can be disorienting. 
• Trouble tracking movement, which can make reading frustrating, as the eyes struggle to move smoothly across a page. 
• Dry eyes or irritation, which can lead to discomfort and increased sensitivity to light. 

How to maintain good vision with Parkinson’s 

• Get regular eye exams at least once a year with a trusted optometrist to monitor changes and update prescriptions. 
• Special lenses or prism glasses can help with double vision or reading struggles. 
• Use bright, non-glare lighting at home to make movement safer. 
• Blink more & use eye drops to help with dryness and irritation caused by reduced blinking. 
• Adjust screen settings, as larger text and high contrast on phones and tablets can make reading easier. 

The role of optometrists in Parkinson’s care 

Optometrists play a crucial role in helping people with Parkinson’s maintain independence. They can detect changes early, recommend visual aids and provide tailored advice to improve daily life. 

Bottom line? Don’t let vision be an afterthought in Parkinson’s care. A simple eye exam can make a world of difference in staying active, safe and independent.