This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Parkinson’s could be detected with eye test, research finds
According to research from University College London (UCL), a particular type of eye test which detects changes at the back of the eyes could identify Parkinson’s disease before its symptoms develop.
Currently, Parkinson’s affects 1 in 500 people and is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Scientists behind the study have claimed that early animal tests could lead to a cheap and non-invasive way to spot the disease.
The research involved examining rats which displayed changes at the back of the eyes before visible symptoms occurred.
Symptoms of Parkinson's include tremors and muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and a reduced quality of life, which only become apparent after the brain cells have been damaged.
Professor Francesca Cordeiro who led the research commented: “These tests mean we might be able to intervene much earlier and more effectively treat people with this devastating condition."
Dr Arthur Roach, director of research at the charity Parkinson's UK, welcomed the study.
Roach said: “Although the research is in its infancy and is yet to be tested on people with Parkinson's, a simple non-invasive test - such as an eye test - could be a significant step forward in the search for treatments that can tackle the underlying causes of the condition rather than masking its symptoms.
“Having a biomarker for Parkinson's would help diagnose Parkinson's earlier, when people are most likely to benefit from the new treatments aimed at slowing progression.”
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