A thinning retina was correlated to progression of Parkinson’s disease in new data published in an August issue of Neurology.

The thinner the retina, the greater the severity of the disease, said author Jee-Young Lee, M.D.

“These discoveries may mean that neurologists may eventually be able to use a simple eye scan to detect Parkinson’s disease in its earliest stages, before problems with movement begin,” Lee explained.

“If confirmed, retina scans may not only allow earlier treatment of Parkinson’s disease but more precise monitoring of treatments that could slow progression of the disease as well.”