Difficulty moving the eyes
Parkinson’s disease affects all movements, particularly those that are usually automatic. Eye movements are no exception. Your muscles move more slowly, causing delayed eye movement when watching an object in motion, for example. Your eye movement may also become jerkier.
The delay can affect your ability to clearly see objects that move very quickly, such as cars. If you are experiencing this problem, you should talk to your doctor about it and be vigilant in situations where vision delays could prove dangerous.
Blurred vision
Blurred vision may be related to difficulty moving the eyes, or it could be a side-effect of antiparkinsonian medications like anticholinergics. Talk to your neurologist about adjusting your dose.
If you wear glasses, your optometrist can also help improve your vision by adjusting the strength of your lenses.
Double vision
Double vision is when you see two images of the same object. These images may be superimposed or next to each other. This can occur when you are watching something in motion and your eyes aren’t moving at the same speed.
Lack of eye coordination and eye muscle fatigue are often the cause of double vision.
Dry eyes
People living with Parkinson’s disease usually blink less. Blinking normally removes dust and dirt from the eyes. When you blink less, debris can build up, causing your eyes to feel dry and sore. Artificial tears can be used to relieve the dryness.
Involuntary blinking or twitching
Sometimes, your eyelids may move involuntarily (blepharospasm). They may close completely, twitch, or you may experience difficulty keeping them open. These spasms are particularly common when talking.
Blepharospasms can be treated by simply rubbing your eyes, adjusting your dose of levodopa, or by botulinum toxin (Botox) injection in severe cases.
Difficulty seeing in the dark
In the dark, you may have more difficulty seeing objects, shapes, colours and small print clearly.
Difficulty seeing colours
Some people living with Parkinson’s disease have difficulty distinguishing between colours, particularly blue and green. Adjusting your medication may resolve the difficulty.