Contrast sensitivity in Parkinson's disease.
We studied contrast-sensitivity function in 39 patients with Parkinson's disease. Sixty-four percent of the patients showed contrast-sensitivity loss in one or both eyes. The abnormality was not related to the first symptom or the severity of disease. Sensitivity loss at intermediate frequencies (notch loss) in 30% of the "affected" eyes suggested a cortical component. These findings support the belief that there is a widespread neurotransmitter deficiency in Parkinson's disease.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014796:Visual Perception