A Sensorimotor Framework for the Neurorehabilitation of Oculomotor Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

Oculomotor dysfunction is an eye movement disorder frequently experienced in patients with Parkinson's disease. Many patients tend to experience visual symptoms, and this can exacerbate cognitive symptoms when visual tasks become more demanding. The purpose of this review is to characterize oculomotor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease based on the distinct types of ocular motor deficits and their corresponding impact on the patient's symptoms, visual perception, activities of daily living, and quality-of-life. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify relevant articles. The results from the sensorimotor framework analysis are categorized in five domains: visual-sensory, visual-motor, visual-perceptual, cognitive processing, and psychosocial challenges. The findings suggest that clinical evaluation and neurorehabilitation should move beyond speed-dependent metrics, but focus on specific non-speed-dependent ocular motor deficits. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, healthcare professionals can take proactive steps to address the vision-related challenges faced by patients with Parkinson's disease.