A new study conducted by researchers at the University Institute of Ophthalmology in London (Great Britain) and published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica Communications suggest that the eyes, and in particular the retina, could reveal the early stage of Parkinson’s disease.
“A new non-invasive eye test could detect disease long before changes take place in the brain and the first symptoms as tremors or muscle stiffness do not develop” said the researchers after a study conducted in rats.
Screen for changes in certain retinal cells
Patients with Parkinson’s disease are known to have less sharp vision due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the retina of the eye. It is this shortage of dopamine that also damages brain cells, and is the cause of tremors, muscle stiffness and slowness of movement.
The screening method developed by the London researchers uses imaging instruments commonly used in eye clinics to screen for changes in certain retinal ganglion cells as well as changes in its thickness. It has already been tested in humans for glaucoma.
“These tests mean we may be able to intervene earlier and more effectively in people with this devastating disease” said Professor Francesca Cordeiro, lead author of the study.
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