Genetic Mutation Which Triggers Parkinson’s May Also Affect Vision

A new study from the University of York discovered that the gene that triggers Parkinson's disease may also affect vision, according to Medical Xpress.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common form of degenerative disorder in the central nervous system commonly affecting elderly people over age 60. Parkinson's disease symptoms are usually movement related, however the new study suggests it may also impact one's vision.

"This is a significant step forward as it will help to identify those people with Parkinson's who may be at greater risk of changes in their vision," Dr Chris Elliott, who led the research, said. "It will assist clinicians to manage the condition more effectively."

"We have to get away from the idea that Parkinson's is only about movement problems. This work indicates that changes in vision may also affect people with the most common form of inherited Parkinson's."

Researchers conducted an experiment on an animal model for the study at the University's Department of Biology. They were successfully able to discover a connection between a mutation which triggers the Parkinson's and visual problems.

The team used the electroretinagram (ERG) technology in order to study the nerve cells in the visual system of a fruit fly, "Drosophila," and discovered a loss in the nerve cells with the mutant gene. Drosophila's visual system is identical to human eye with similar amount of dopamine, hence it was used in the experiment.

"This new research has uncovered a potentially interesting relationship between one of the most common genes linked to Parkinson's and the development of visual problems," Claire Bale, research communications manager at Parkinson's U.K. said, according to the report. "But crucially this study looked at fruit flies, so we need to do more research to find out how relevant the findings are to people living with the condition."

"If you have Parkinson's and notice changes in your eyesight, such as blurred or double vision, it's important to discuss this with your specialist or Parkinson's nurse."

The study findings are published online in the Human Molecular Genetics.