The Overlooked Exercise: Eye Movements for Daily Parkinson's Support

Eye movements, though small and often unnoticed, play a vital role in how our brains process information and how safely we move through the world. Recent research is revealing just how important targeted eye exercises can be for people living with Parkinson’s.

The Science: Eye Movements, Dopamine, and the Brain

Our eyes are constantly in motion, performing several types of movements every second:

• Saccades: Quick, jump-like movements that shift our gaze from one object to another—like when reading or scanning a room.

• Smooth Pursuits: Slow, controlled movements that allow us to track moving objects, such as following a bouncing ball.

• Fixations: The ability to hold our gaze steady on a single point, essential for reading or focusing on tasks.

In Parkinson’s disease, the neural circuits that control these eye movements can become less efficient. This may lead to slower or less accurate eye movements, making it harder to scan the environment, track moving objects, or maintain balance. For example, if the eyes can’t quickly adjust to changes in the environment, the brain receives less reliable information, increasing the risk of stumbles or falls.

But there’s more: these eye movements are closely linked to activity in a brain region called the substantia nigra, which is responsible for producing dopamine—a neurotransmitter essential for smooth movement and coordination. In Parkinson’s, dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra are gradually lost, leading to many of the movement challenges associated with the disease.

How Eye Exercise May Boost Dopamine

Exciting new research suggests that engaging in eye exercises can stimulate neural activity in the brain’s motor and reward pathways, including the substantia nigra. When you practice purposeful eye movements—like tracking, shifting focus, or holding your gaze—these actions can help activate the same dopamine circuits that support movement and motivation. Some studies have found that increased neural activity in these regions is associated with increased dopamine release, which may help support smoother movement and better coordination.

Neuroplasticity: Training the Brain Through the Eyes

The encouraging news is that the brain is highly adaptable—a concept known as neuroplasticity. Practicing specific eye movements can help retrain the brain’s pathways, improve coordination, and boost sensory processing. Research has shown that targeted eye exercises can:

• Reduce body sway and improve postural stability

• Enhance walking speed and dynamic balance

• Expand peripheral vision and visual awareness

• Strengthen coordination between the eyes and the rest of the body

For people with Parkinson’s, these improvements can make a meaningful difference in daily life, supporting greater independence and confidence.

Making Eye Exercise Engaging and Accessible

While traditional physical therapy often focuses on large muscle groups, incorporating eye exercises brings a new dimension to brain and body training. Tools and games that encourage tracking, quick gaze shifts, and steady focus can help make these exercises both effective and enjoyable. For example, interactive activities that involve following moving objects, shifting focus between targets, or maintaining visual attention can reinforce the types of eye movements that research has shown to be beneficial.

The Brain Speed Ball is a tool designed to naturally incorporate these essential eye movements through play. By engaging in these kinds of activities regularly, individuals with Parkinson’s can support their brain’s adaptability, encourage healthy dopamine activity, and improve overall movement quality in a fun, motivating way.