Self-management: The ability to use eyedrops preventing visual impairment for people with Parkinson disease
M. M. A. van Tilborg & V. Lamers
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AbstractDuring this session the need for more research and understanding visual functioning and the roll of the tear film will be explored. Dry eyes are still often considered an "old age ailment" that one has to learn to live with. This while particular younger are more likely to suffer from painful dry eyes, as the cornea is still very sensitive. The symptoms of dry eye in general, and for older adults, are complex and it is not always clear exactly how they arise (Vehof et al., 2020). Moreover, severe dry eye symptoms can be triggered by medication use, especially used by the people with Parkinson Disease (PD) and due to the combination with reduce or inability to blink fully. Born's research shows that 82% of participants with PD reported one or more eye problems, with 56% specifically reporting "dry eye eyes" (Borm et al., 2020). Misunderstood complaints of pain and reduced vision not only have an emotional burden, but can also lead to the development of various symptoms such as anxiety, depression and sleep disorders (Zheng et al., 2017; Dana et al., 2020). The main causes of DED is the disruption of tear film homeostasis. Disturbed homeostasis can lead to damage to the eye surface, the development of pain sensations and an inflammatory response. Causing damage at the cornea and reduces vision enormously. Treatment of dry eyes are primarily with the use of artificial tears. The use of eyedrops asks for motor skills as well for cognitive skill of remembering to drop regularly. Due to the fact that people with PD are less likely to report pain at start or the feeling of dry eye, education is needed for the people with PD and their carers as the (eye) care professionals around them. The investigation’s acronym in Dutch is Druppel means Drop: representing, D: Dropping at the right time and in the right way; R Regular preventive dripping to prevent dry eyes in people with Parkinson's disease; U Comprehensive knowledge about dry eyes and the negative impact on quality of life; P Problem recognition of the consequences of dry eyes and options for preventive action: P Appropriate tools for eye dripping to increase self-reliance; .E Sharing experience expertise on preventing and living as optimally as possible with dry eyes; L Discussing lifestyle advice to reduce dry eye symptoms. This all to prevent damage of the cornea causing diminished visual acuity.Keywords: self-management Parkinson Disease, dry eye, visual functioning
M. M. A. van Tilborg & V. Lamers (2024). Self-management: The ability to use eyedrops preventing visual impairment for people with Parkinson disease. Gerontechnology, 23(2), 5-5
https://doi.org/10.4017/gt.2024.23.s.905.5.sp