Symptom 4: Vision Changes
Another symptom associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome is changes in vision. These changes can take many forms, including double vision, drooping eyelids, or abnormal eye movements. The clinical term for these eye movement abnormalities is nystagmus and ophthalmoplegia.
A person affected may not be able to move their eyes in certain directions. Their eyes might flicker involuntarily from side to side, up and down, or in a circular motion. These involuntary movements can make it difficult for them to focus on objects or to track moving items.
Double vision can make it difficult for individuals to read, watch television, or even recognize faces. This symptom, coupled with the others discussed, can severely impact a person’s quality of life.
However, it’s worth noting that these symptoms can improve with proper treatment, specifically thiamine supplementation. Once the underlying thiamine deficiency is addressed, vision changes often improve, though this may take time and ongoing management. (4)
