How Sleep Apnea Affects The Eyes

Did you know that some eye conditions are associated with sleep apnea? According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than 18 million Americans have sleep apnea — a sleep disorder where people stop breathing, often multiple times per night.

If you have sleep apnea, it tends to take longer for your tears to be replenished, you are more likely to have ocular irritation, you have a higher chance of developing floppy eyelids, and you are at increased risk for glaucoma.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), where the airway becomes partially blocked due to relaxed muscles in the nose and throat. It is twice as common in men and more likely to affect people with obesity, hypertension, diabetes or heart disease.

Eye Conditions Associated With Sleep Apnea

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when increased pressure within the eye damages the optic nerve. In some cases this may be linked to drops in blood oxygen levels during apnea episodes. Even CPAP machines — a common treatment for sleep apnea — can be associated with glaucoma. Regular eye exams are essential for people with sleep apnea.

Floppy Eyelid Syndrome

Floppy Eyelid Syndrome (FES) involves an unusually large and floppy upper eyelid causing redness, irritation, discharge, or blurry vision. Over 90% of people with FES also have sleep apnea.

Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)

NAION occurs when there is a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, causing significant vision loss in one eye. Approximately 70-80% of patients with NAION have been found to have OSA.

Retinal Vein Occlusion

Also referred to as an eye stroke, retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a blockage of the small veins carrying blood away from the retina. Research found that sleep apnea was suspected in 74% of patients previously diagnosed with RVO.

Protect Your Eyes

Get regular eye exams to rule out eye disorders and prevent potential vision loss, especially if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. At Eyecare Professionals of Gahanna, we encourage you to share your medical history so we can better diagnose and treat any eye conditions you may have.