Abstract
BackgroundOphthalmological disorders are common and frequently disabling for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, details on the prevalence, severity and impact of ophthalmological disorders thus far lacking. We aimed to identify PD patients with undetected ophthalmological disorders in a large cross-sectional, observational study.MethodsWe previously delivered a screening questionnaire to detect ophthalmological symptoms (Visual impairment in PD questionnaire; VIPD-Q) to 848 patients. Here, we report on a subgroup of 102 patients who received complete ophthalmological assessment aimed at identifying clinically relevant ophthalmological diseases, which were classified as either vison-threatening or not. Impact on daily life functioning was measured using the visual functioning-25 questionnaire (VFQ-25) and fall frequency.ResultsAlmost all patients (92%) had one or more clinically relevant ophthalmological disorders. Of those, 77% had a potentially vision-threatening disease, while 34% had a potentially treatable ophthalmological disease which impacted on quality of life. The most prevalent ophthalmological disorders were dry eyes (86%), ocular misalignment (50%) and convergence insufficiency (41%). We found a weak but significant association between clinically relevant ophthalmological diseases and both fall frequency (R2 = 0.15, p = 0.037) and VFQ-25 score (R2 = 0.15, p = 0.02). The VIPD-Q could not correctly identify patients with relevant ophthalmological disorders.ConclusionsSurprisingly, in our study sample, many participants manifested previously undetected ophthalmological diseases, most of which threatened vision, impacted on daily life functioning and were amenable to treatment. Screening for these ophthalmological disorders using a questionnaire asking about symptoms seems insufficient. Instead, episodic ophthalmological assessments should be considered for PD patients, aiming to identify vision-threatening yet treatable diseases.Trial registrationDutch Trial Registration, NL7421.
Highlights
Persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience ophthalmological problems, including burning eyes, visual field deficits or visual hallucinations [1, 2]
Our initial study population consisted of a cohort of 848 PD patients who had completed the Visual Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (VIPD-Q) [21]
We explored if the VIPD-Q score could be related to quality of life
Summary
Persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience ophthalmological problems, including burning eyes, visual field deficits or visual hallucinations [1, 2]. Ophthalmological symptoms are part of the non-motor symptoms of PD and are commonly observed early in the disease or even in prodromal stages [3–5] These symptoms can result from a broad range of ophthalmological disorders, such as convergence insufficiency or decreased contrast or colour vision. Conclusions Surprisingly, in our study sample, many participants manifested previously undetected ophthalmological diseases, most of which threatened vision, impacted on daily life functioning and were amenable to treatment. Screening for these ophthalmological disorders using a questionnaire asking about symptoms seems insufficient. Episodic ophthalmological assessments should be considered for PD patients, aiming to identify vision-threatening yet treatable diseases.
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