{"id":31618,"date":"2022-03-07T11:04:16","date_gmt":"2022-03-07T19:04:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/?p=31618"},"modified":"2022-03-03T08:29:13","modified_gmt":"2022-03-03T16:29:13","slug":"the-dark-side-of-parkinsons-disease-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/all-mfn\/the-dark-side-of-parkinsons-disease-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"The “Dark Side” of Parkinson’s Disease: Why Parkinson\u2019s Changed The Way We See, Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Read Part One of this article<\/a> for background on Parkinson’s Disease and vision impairment.<\/b><\/p>\n

It is important to respect professional boundaries and know when to refer a \u201cfighter\u201d to a neuro-opthamologist or an occupational therapist.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Here are some simple and safe tips to share with your \u201cfighters\u201d:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Consult a neuro-opthamologist or neuro-optometrist regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Bifocal wearers need to be cautious when walking up and down stairs. Depth and distance may be compromised and pose a fall risk. *Progressive lenses are even worse.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Double-vision (diplopia): ask a neuro-opthamologist about prism glasses (meant to improve eye alignment).<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Dry eyes\/Irritation: apply a warm compress twice a day\u00a0 to relieve dry eyes. (<\/span>Ask the doctor about eye drops available to treat symptoms.)<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Improve lighting in high fall risk areas, such as stairs, steps, bathroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Remove tripping hazards in home, such as throw rugs (or tape them down), clutter, unnecessary furniture, power cords.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Color contrast options:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Eating: Use different colored plate and placemat. For example, a white plate on a black placemat; pour dark liquids (like coffee) into a light cup. Set timer for food rather than visually checking.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Bathroom: Use dark floor mats if the floor is a lighter color’ magnifying mirror for makeup or shaving; contrasting towel behind head to help see head\/hair<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Stairs: Apply colored duct tape to edge of steps.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Throughout home: Place brightly colored tape on small items that are hard to find (light switches, drawstrings on blinds).<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Technology: Change the contrast of the screen and increase font size for reading messages.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Vision Specific Exercises<\/b><\/h4>\n

    \u201cFighters\u201d should always consult his or her physician before beginning vision exercises with their fitness professional. Vision exercises are specific to the problems. The following exercises are a few examples for vergence movement problems, diplopia (double vision) and motor control and endurance. Do each exercise 5-10x with a short break between exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n