Seeing ophthalmologic problems in Parkinson disease
Carlijn D.J.M. Borm, Femke Visser, Mario Werkmann, Debbie de Graaf, Diana Putz, Klaus Seppi, Werner Poewe, Annemarie Vlaar, Carel B. Hoyng, Bastiaan R. Bloem, Thomas Theelen, Nienke M. de Vries
Abstract
<h3>Objective</h3> To determine the prevalence and clinical effect of ophthalmologic symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), compared with controls, using a standardized questionnaire. <h3>Methods</h3> In this observational, cross-sectional, multicenter study, 848 patients with PD and 250 healthy controls completed the Visual Impairment in Parkinson9s Disease Questionnaire (VIPD-Q). The VIPD-Q addressed 4 domains according to structures: (1) ocular surface; (2) intraocular; (3) oculomotor; and (4) optic nerve. The questionnaire also assessed the effect of ophthalmologic symptoms on daily activities. <h3>Results</h3> One or more ophthalmologic symptoms were reported by 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80–85) of patients, compared with 48% (95% CI, 42–54) of controls (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Patients with PD experienced more ophthalmologic symptoms across all domains than controls (<i>p</i> < 0.001), as reflected by a higher VIPD-Q total score among patients (median 10 [interquartile range (IQR) 13]) than controls (median 2 [IQR 5]; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Ophthalmologic symptoms interfered with daily activities in 68% (95% CI, 65–71) of patients, compared with 35% (95% CI, 29–41) of controls (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Patients with PD have a higher prevalence of ophthalmologic symptoms than controls. Moreover, these frequently interfere with daily activities. A screening questionnaire such as the VIPD-Q may help with identifying ophthalmologic symptoms in PD, thereby enabling more timely treatment.