Movement disorders consist of a diverse and heterogeneous group of neurological impairments, frequently accompanied by abnormalities in ocular motility and visual perception. Parkinson’s disease is one of the more common and is caused by degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain with loss of dopamine terminals in the basal ganglia. It is regarded primarily as a disorder of the motor system with bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor as its main features. However, autonomic, cognitive, and sensory symptoms frequently occur as well.

Visual disturbance is not considered to be one of the cardinal clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease even though blurred vision, photophobia, asthenopia (weakness or fatigue of the eyes, usually accompanied by headache and dimming of vision), or trouble reading are common, often significantly interfering with the patient’s quality of life.^1,2 Visual problems have particular significance because of the Parkinson patient’s impaired mobility and the implications for driving safety. In most cases, however, gross eye examination appears normal. Nonetheless, several papers have been published describing ophthalmological abnormalities, including problems with visual function, ocular movements, and visual hallucinations, as well as complications of drug therapy or neurosurgical interventions. We will review these in this article.