Re: AND Another Thing (Vision-related)

[D J Roll <rolld@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I have had to stop driving due to vision problems.  I find that I cannot
change focus and feel that the vehicle is travelling far faster than it
actually is.  This, of course, makes me anxious which causes stress which
worsens the PD symptoms.  I am a gibbering wreck after being the car.  I now
keep my eyes closed or look at my lap.

I have trouble reading and use a larger font than I used to when typing.

I did consult an eye specialist on referal from my neuro.  He found that my
eye movements were "jerky" with little upward mobility.

----- Original Message -----
From: Barb_MSN <Barb_MSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 1999 3:56 AM
Subject: AND Another Thing (Vision-related)


> Hey Youse All....
>
> VISION PROBLEMS:   As long as we're still on
> this topic (Uhhhh.... we ARE still on it, aren't we?)
> <everybody nods, "YES">  (smile), I have a
> question to put before the group - a question
> which might reveal a more serious
> PD-vision problem than we'd originally pictured.
>
> You see, the reason I cut back on my driving to the
> point where I  might drive a coupla-three miles at a
> time, is SOLELY because of PD-related vision
> problems.
>
> As long I as don't drive when I'm "off," then since my
> since my Oct. '94 pallidotomy, other than the vision
> problems, no other PD symptom has caused me to
> be a danger on the road.   Unfortunately, I usually
> experience SOME vision problems nearly every day.
>
> I'm curious as to just how many people with
> Parkinson's have been forced to STOP driving,
> OR have been forced to cut back on their driving
> due to PD-related vision problems.
>
> This issue MAY be something that if addressed by
> the opthamology field MIGHT be lessened or
> corrected IF the medical field is made aware that
> PD-vision problems  are MUCH more significant in
> affecting the quality of living for those of us with
> Parkinson's then had previously been thought.
>
> Soooo..... let's hear it.   How has PD-related vision
>  problems affected your ability to drive, if at all?
>
> Barb Mallut
> barb_msn@xxxxxxxxxxxxx