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, while sleeping.

What Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea?

The most common type is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). During OSA, your airway becomes partially blocked due to relaxed muscles in your nose and throat. It's twice as common in men, and is more likely to affect people with obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. Common symptoms include snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating.

Which Eye Conditions Are Associated With Sleep Apnea?

Glaucoma

People with sleep apnea — even if it's being treated with a CPAP machine — need to get their eyes checked regularly for glaucoma, as the drops in blood oxygen levels associated with sleep apnea can potentially damage the optic nerve.

Floppy Eyelid Syndrome (FES)

FES is an eye condition where a person has an unusually large and floppy upper eyelid. It can cause eye 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 is a blockage of the small veins that carry blood away from the retina. A recent study found that sleep apnea was suspected in 74% of patients who had previously been diagnosed with retinal vein occlusion.

Talk To Your Doctor

Get eye exams regularly to rule out eye disorders and prevent potential vision loss, especially if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. At St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville we encourage you to share your medical history with us so we can better diagnose and treat any eye conditions you may have. Call (740) 695-0444.