My husband had his annual eye exam recently and I was so excited because his ophthalmologist was able to answer my questions regarding PD. She spoke about potential dry eye issues and explained that some people experience double vision. She suggested blinking exercises to help lubricate his eyes. Then she gave him a prescription for bi-focals and sent him on his way. I don’t think she knew, even as we didn’t, that bi- or multi- focal lenses create a unique challenge to his brain and can actually increase his risk of falling.

According to Ali Hamedani, MD, MHS, Professor of Neurology, Divisions of Neuro-Ophthalmology and Movement Disorders, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania in her article How to Spot Parkinson’s Vision Changes on the Parkinsons’s Foundation website, my husband’s diagnosis of PD slows his eye movements just like everything else in his body. The lack of dopamine in his brain means he struggles to move his eyes within small spaces such as the focal points on corrective lenses. Most neuro-ophthalmologists recommend people with PD use single focus lenses, a separate pair for reading and walking. Perhaps more of a hassle but a safer alternative.

He can use the bifocals for reading and watching tv. He is safe with them as long as he stays seated and says he will be keeping the glasses. I plan to share the articles listed below with his opthalmologist to better educate her on the issues he faces. We are also going to be looking for a pair of single focus lenses that will work for him while walking so he can once again enjoy the scenery around him rather than just see a blur.

To learn more check out https://www.parkinson.org/blog/awareness/vision-changes; Parkinson’s and Vision: 6 Things to Know (davisphinneyfoundation.org).