Abnormal Visual Contrast Acuity in Parkinson's Disease

作者：Lin Tanya P; Rigby Heather; Adler Jennifer S; Hentz Joseph G; Balcer Laura J; Galetta Steven L; Devick Steve; Cronin Richard; Adler Charles H^*

来源：Journal of Parkinson's Disease, 2015, 5(1): 125-130.

DOI：10.3233/JPD-140470

• Parkinson's disease
• vision
• contrast sensitivity
• visual acuity

Background: Low-contrast vision is thought to be reduced in Parkinson's disease (PD). This may have a direct impact on quality of life such as driving, using tools, finding objects, and mobility in low-light condition. Low-contrast letter acuity testing has been successful in assessing low-contrast vision in multiple sclerosis. We report the use of a new iPad application to measure low-contrast acuity in patients with PD.
Objective: To evaluate low- and high-contrast letter acuity in PD patients and controls using a variable contrast acuity eye chart developed for the Apple iPad.
Methods: Thirty-two PD and 71 control subjects were studied. Subjects viewed the Variable Contrast Acuity Chart on an iPad with both eyes open at two distances (40 cm and 2m) and at high contrast (black and white visual acuity) and 2.5% low contrast. Acuity scores for the two groups were compared.
Results: PD patients had significantly lower scores (indicating worse vision) for 2.5% low contrast at both distances and for high contrast at 2m (p < 0.003) compared to controls. No significant difference was found between the two groups for high contrast at 40 cm (p = 0.12).
Conclusions: Parkinson's disease patients have reduced low and high contrast acuity compared to controls. An iPad app, as used in this study, could serve as a quick screening tool to complement more formal testing of patients with PD and other neurologic disorders.

• 出版日期2015