Symptom 3. Peering Through the Fog: Unpacking the Vision Changes in WKS
The third symptom we encounter in the journey of Wernicke Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS) is a change in vision. This symptom is as disturbing as it is disorienting, akin to constantly looking through a dense fog.
Vision changes in WKS patients can take multiple forms. One common manifestation is double vision. A person experiencing this symptom perceives two images of a single object. The overlapping images create a visual disarray, disturbing their perception of the world around them.
Another common vision issue is drooping eyelids, medically known as ptosis. This condition, coupled with double vision, further obscures the person’s view. The seemingly simple act of looking becomes a strain, physically and mentally.
Yet, the most alarming vision-related symptom is abnormal eye movements, known as nystagmus. The eyes tend to involuntarily move side to side, up and down, or even in a circular motion. The world doesn’t just look blurry; it appears to be in constant motion.
Despite their clouded vision, people with WKS often learn to “look” beyond their eyes. They rely more on their other senses, compensating for their impaired vision. This symptom, challenging as it is, often brings forth their ability to adapt and overcome. (3)
