If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to parallel park, missing the catch in a friendly game of backyard cricket, or feeling slightly clumsier than usual, you might chalk it up to age or a lack of coordination.
But what if there’s something more going on beneath the surface? According to leading medical experts, a subtle change in your vision could be an early warning sign of Parkinson’s disease. And it’s a sign you should never ignore.
When most of us think of Parkinson’s disease, we picture the classic symptoms: tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and perhaps a diminished sense of smell.
These are hallmark signs, but they often don’t appear until the disease has progressed significantly, sometimes after as much as 80 per cent of the dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain have been lost.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects more than 10 million people worldwide, including well-known figures like Michael J. Fox, Billy Connolly, and Jeremy Paxman.
In Australia, thousands of families are affected by this disease, and the number is expected to rise as our population ages.
While movement issues are the most recognised symptoms, Parkinson’s can also affect your vision in surprising ways.
Dr Punam Krishan, a National Health Service GP, highlighted that depth perception problems are a ‘common challenge’ for people with Parkinson’s.
This subtle change can make everyday activities much more hazardous, like stepping into the bath or navigating stairs.
Depth perception is your ability to judge how far away objects are, and it’s crucial for safe mobility.
If you or a loved one suddenly finds it tricky to judge the height of a step, the edge of a bath, or the distance to a chair, it’s worth paying attention. These issues can lead to falls, a major risk for older Australians.
Why does parkinson’s affect vision?
Parkinson’s is caused by the gradual loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
These cells produce dopamine, a chemical that helps coordinate movement. As these cells die off, movement problems arise, and other functions, like vision, can also be affected.
People with Parkinson’s may experience:
- Double vision
- Visual hallucinations
- Dry eyes
- Difficulty with depth perception
These symptoms can make daily life more challenging and increase the risk of accidents at home. Dr Krishan recommends making practical changes around the home to reduce risks. For example:
- Install grab rails in the bathroom and near the stairs
- Consider a walk-in bath or a shower with a seat
- Use a stairlift if stairs become too difficult
- Ensure good lighting throughout the house
- Remove trip hazards like loose rugs or clutter
These adjustments can help maintain independence and confidence, allowing you or your loved one to continue enjoying life at home.
Despite decades of research, the exact cause of Parkinson’s remains a mystery. Experts believe it’s likely due to genetic and environmental factors.
While there’s no cure, a range of treatments—including medication, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy—can help manage symptoms and keep people active for as long as possible.
Parkinson’s affects around 153,000 people in the United Kingdom (UK) and over 500,000 in the United States.
In Australia, the numbers are rising, with our ageing population at greater risk. Every hour, two people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the UK alone, and the cost to health systems is significant.
Have you or someone you know experienced changes in vision or depth perception? Did it lead to a diagnosis, or was it brushed off as ‘just getting older’? Sharing your experience could help others spot the signs early and seek the support they need.
Also read: Could your last moments really flash before your eyes? What new brain scans reveal about dying
