Visual complaints are common and varied in Parkinson\u2019s disease. A systematic review of 139 studies found that people with Parkinson\u2019s reported more visual problems than healthy comparison groups, including blurred or double vision, altered contrast sensitivity and difficulties with activities such as reading and driving. Visual complaints were also associated with poorer quality of life.<\/p>\n
Dry eye is particularly well studied. A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 1,519 people with Parkinson\u2019s estimated that 61.1% reported dry-eye symptoms. Compared with control groups, people with Parkinson\u2019s also had lower blink rates, shorter tear-film break-up times and lower tear secretion measurements. These are population-level findings and do not mean that everyone with Parkinson\u2019s will develop dry eye.<\/p>\n
How Can Parkinson’s Affect Your Eye Movements?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can affect several types of eye movement, including the rapid movements used to shift your gaze, known as saccades, and the smooth movements used to follow a moving object. Some movements may become slower, smaller or harder to initiate.<\/p>\n
These changes can contribute to blurred vision or reading difficulties. However, unusual or severe eye-movement problems can have other neurological causes, so it is worth discussing persistent changes with your specialist.<\/p>\n
Why Can Parkinson’s Make Reading More Difficult?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can affect the eye movements and coordination you use when reading. This may make it harder to follow text comfortably.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Eye movements:<\/strong> You may find it harder to move smoothly from one word or line to another.<\/li>\n
- Convergence: <\/strong>Difficulty turning and keeping your eyes inward together for near tasks can cause eye strain, blurred vision or double vision when reading.<\/li>\n
- Dry eyes:<\/strong> Reduced blinking can make reading uncomfortable or temporarily blurry.<\/li>\n
- Low contrast:<\/strong> Text may be harder to see clearly, particularly in poor lighting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
An eye assessment can help identify whether eye-movement problems, convergence difficulty, dry eye, reduced contrast or your glasses prescription are contributing to your reading difficulties. Treatment or practical changes may include updated spectacles, prism correction in selected cases, lubricating drops, better lighting or changes to how reading material is positioned.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Disease Cause Double Vision?<\/h2>\n
Yes, Parkinson\u2019s can sometimes cause double vision, particularly when your eyes have difficulty working together. Convergence problems may make it harder to focus on close objects such as your phone, tablet or a book.<\/p>\n
Glasses, prism correction or other treatment may help depending on the cause. Do not assume new double vision is simply caused by Parkinson\u2019s. If double vision starts suddenly, seek urgent medical advice through your GP or NHS 111, as there are several possible causes that need assessment.<\/p>\n
Why Do You Blink Less With Parkinson’s?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can reduce how often you blink, which may leave your eyes feeling dry, sore or gritty. Blinking helps spread tears across your eye surface, so reduced blinking can affect your tear film.<\/p>\n
You may notice symptoms more when reading, watching television or using a computer because you naturally blink less while concentrating. Your eyes may then become uncomfortable or temporarily blurry, particularly later in the day.<\/p>\n
How Can Parkinson’s Cause Dry Eye?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-62.jpg\")
<\/p>\nParkinson\u2019s can contribute to dry eye in several ways. Reduced blinking means tears are spread across the eye surface less frequently, while changes in tear secretion and the ocular surface may also contribute. You may notice burning, grittiness, redness, watering, tired eyes or temporary blurred vision, particularly when reading or using screens.<\/p>\n
Dry eyes can sometimes cause watery eyes too, as irritation triggers extra tearing. Symptoms may become more noticeable during reading, screen use or other activities that require prolonged concentration. Artificial tears may help, while an eye-care professional can assess your tear film and eye surface and advise whether lubricating drops or other treatment may be suitable. Persistent dryness, pain, redness or changes in your vision should be assessed by an eye specialist.<\/p>\n
What Is Contrast Sensitivity and Why Can Parkinson’s Affect It?<\/h2>\n
Contrast sensitivity is your ability to see objects when they are only slightly different from their background. Parkinson\u2019s can affect the retinal and brain pathways involved in contrast processing, reducing your ability to distinguish objects from backgrounds with similar brightness.<\/p>\n
Reduced contrast sensitivity may be particularly noticeable in dim lighting or when objects are similar in brightness to their background. Steps, kerbs, doorways or objects in shadow may therefore be harder to distinguish. Improving lighting, reducing glare and using stronger contrasts around your home can make everyday tasks easier, even though these changes do not treat the underlying Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n
Why Can Vision Be More Difficult in Low Light?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can make it harder to see clearly when lighting is dim or when objects do not stand out strongly from their background. Reduced contrast sensitivity can make steps, kerbs, doorways or objects in shadow more difficult to distinguish, even when your standard visual acuity is relatively good.<\/p>\n
Good lighting can therefore make everyday activities easier. Brighter task lighting for reading, reducing glare and using clear colour contrast around steps or furniture may help you see your surroundings more comfortably and reduce visual uncertainty.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Change the Way You See Colours?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can sometimes affect how you distinguish colours, particularly certain similar shades. You may notice this more when colours have low contrast or lighting is poor.<\/p>\n
However, changes in colour vision can also have other eye-related causes. If colours suddenly look different, particularly in one eye or alongside reduced vision, you should arrange an eye assessment.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Affect Depth Perception and Spatial Awareness?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can sometimes affect how you judge distances and understand where objects are around you. You may find steps, narrow spaces, furniture or changes in floor levels harder to navigate, particularly when lighting is poor.<\/p>\n
These visual-spatial difficulties can add to existing balance or movement problems and may be more noticeable in busy or unfamiliar environments. Judging several objects, narrow spaces or changes in floor level at once can become more difficult. Good lighting, clear contrasts, uncluttered walkways and taking extra time when moving around may help you navigate more safely.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Affect How You See Movement?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can affect how your brain processes movement as well as how your eyes move. You may find it harder to judge the speed or direction of moving objects, such as cars, particularly in busy environments.<\/p>\n
This can affect activities such as crossing roads or driving. If you notice changes in how you judge movement, speak to your Parkinson\u2019s specialist and eye-care professional.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Affect Your Eyelids?<\/h2>\n
Parkinson\u2019s can sometimes affect eyelid control. Some people develop difficulty initiating eyelid opening, sometimes described as apraxia of eyelid opening, while involuntary eyelid closure can occur with conditions such as blepharospasm.<\/p>\n
Repeated or involuntary eyelid closure can have other causes, such as blepharospasm or different neurological conditions. If this happens regularly, speak to your neurologist or eye specialist so the cause can be assessed.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Cause Visual Hallucinations?<\/h2>\n
Yes, some people with Parkinson\u2019s experience visual hallucinations, such as seeing people, animals or objects that are not actually there. Visual hallucinations can occur at different stages of Parkinson\u2019s but tend to become more common as the condition progresses. They may be influenced by Parkinson\u2019s itself, cognitive changes, medication and other medical problems.<\/p>\n
If you experience new or worsening hallucinations, tell your Parkinson\u2019s team. Your healthcare professional may need to review your medicines and look for other possible triggers, including illness or changes in cognition. Do not alter Parkinson\u2019s medication yourself.<\/p>\n
Can Parkinson’s Medication Affect Your Eyesight?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-63.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSome Parkinson\u2019s medicines can contribute to visual symptoms. Dopaminergic medicines can increase the risk of hallucinations in some people, while individual medicines may have other ocular or visual side effects. If symptoms begin or noticeably worsen after a medication change, tell your Parkinson\u2019s specialist and eye-care professional.<\/p>\n
Do not stop or change your medication yourself. Your doctor can review your treatment while also checking for other possible causes of your vision changes.<\/p>\n
UK Guidance Note<\/strong><\/p>\n
New or worsening visual hallucinations should be discussed with your Parkinson\u2019s healthcare team. Possible triggers can include medication effects, illness and cognitive changes, and Parkinson\u2019s medicines should not be reduced or changed without appropriate specialist advice.<\/p>\n
Regular eye examinations are also useful because common age-related eye conditions can occur alongside Parkinson\u2019s and may contribute to visual symptoms. Persistent or changing visual problems should be assessed rather than automatically attributed to Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n
How Are Vision Problems Assessed When You Have Parkinson’s?<\/h2>\n
Your eye assessment may look at both your eyesight and how Parkinson\u2019s affects your eye movements and visual processing. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist may check your vision, eye health, glasses prescription and symptoms such as dry eye or double vision.<\/p>\n
If needed, an orthoptist or your Parkinson\u2019s specialist may assess eye coordination and movement. Depending on your symptoms, the assessment may also consider eye alignment, convergence, contrast sensitivity, tear-film problems or the ocular surface. Tell your eye-care professional that you have Parkinson\u2019s so they can distinguish possible Parkinson\u2019s-related visual changes from other common eye conditions that may require different treatment.<\/p>\n
Common Visual Problems in Parkinson\u2019s<\/h2>\n
- Convergence: <\/strong>Difficulty turning and keeping your eyes inward together for near tasks can cause eye strain, blurred vision or double vision when reading.<\/li>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.eyecliniclondon.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1-61.jpg\")
<\/p>\n