Shining Light Therapy Improves Vision in Parkinson’s Patients, Study Finds
PHILADELPHIA – A new study reveals that bright light therapy can significantly improve visual function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, offering a potential non-pharmacological approach to address a common and debilitating symptom. Researchers at the University of pennsylvania found that regular exposure to bright light enhanced contrast sensitivity and visual acuity in study participants.
Parkinson’s disease, affecting an estimated one million Americans, often manifests with visual disturbances beyond motor symptoms. These visual problems-including reduced contrast sensitivity, difficulty with depth perception, and blurred vision-can severely impact daily life, increasing fall risk and diminishing quality of life. the study, published recently, suggests bright light therapy could offer a safe and accessible intervention to mitigate these challenges.
The research team conducted a randomized, controlled trial involving participants diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Participants received daily 30-minute sessions of bright light therapy (10,000 lux) for four weeks. Compared to a control group receiving dim light, those undergoing bright light therapy demonstrated measurable improvements in contrast sensitivity, the ability to distinguish between shades of gray, and visual acuity, or sharpness of vision.
“We observed a clinically meaningful improvement in visual function with bright light exposure,” said lead researcher Dr. [Name not provided in source]. “This suggests that targeting the visual system with light therapy could be a valuable addition to the comprehensive management of Parkinson’s disease.”
the mechanism behind this improvement is believed to involve the stimulation of dopamine production in the retina,mirroring the dopamine deficiency characteristic of Parkinson’s.While further research is needed to determine optimal treatment protocols and long-term effects, these findings offer a promising avenue for improving the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s and its associated visual impairments. Researchers plan to investigate the potential benefits of combining bright light therapy with other Parkinson’s treatments.
