By Dr. Stephen Taylor.
I read somewhere that besides the impact on cognitive function, there are also eye health implications for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Could you elaborate on that?
Answer: Sure! First, it is important to mention that while connections between Alzheimer’s disease and eye health have been noted, they do not imply a causal relationship. The exact mechanisms underlying these associations are complex and require further research to understand.
However, the link between eyes and Alzheimer’s has prompted researchers to investigate the potential of changes in ocular structure and function to serve as diagnostic biomarkers for identifying individuals at risk, or for tracking progression of the disease.
Studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease may show characteristic structural changes in the eye, such as thinning of the nerve fibre layer, changes in blood vessel density, and alterations in the size and shape of the optic disc. Imaging equipment such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) can detect and monitor such changes. There may also be alterations to a person’s depth perception, contrast sensitivity, colour discrimination, and visual acuity, which can impact activities such as reading, recognizing faces, and navigating the environment. Another functional impairment we might test for in the exam room is difficulty with smooth or rapid eye movements and maintaining focus on specific visual stimuli, which may affect the ability to track moving objects or follow a conversation out in the real world.
Though we have barely begun to scratch the surface, the diagnostic potential of retinal photography and OCT as non-invasive tools to identify signs of Alzheimer’s disease through changes in the eye long before the cognitive signs become apparent is an exciting area for further research. In the future, timely detection of this devastating illness could mean earlier interventions that will help enhance a person’s overall well-being. Use of these cutting-edge imaging technologies, together with regular comprehensive assessments of visual function by your optometrist to monitor changes over time, will hopefully serve as one more way to maintain quality of life for anyone, including those individuals living with or at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
At Mayfair Optometric Clinic, we provide a welcoming environment for patients to receive eye exams and pick out the perfect eyewear that works for each individual. Please give us a call to book your appointment with Dr. Peddle or myself.
