Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or just sleep apnea, is widely recognized as a serious condition linked to cardiovascular risks, but less is known about its impact on eye health. Studies suggest that people with OSA are significantly more likely to develop glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, emphasizing the need for awareness and further research.*

What Is OSA 

OSA occurs when the airway muscles relax excessively during sleep, leading to interrupted breathing that can last up to two minutes. Common symptoms include:

• Loud snoring, 
• Gasping for air, and 
• Excessive daytime drowsiness. 

Left untreated, OSA increases the risk of:

• High blood pressure, 
• Heart attack, and
• Stroke. 

Glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve, which sends signals from your eyes to your brain. Alarmingly, a recent study involving over 4.5 million patients revealed that those with OSA have a 40% higher chance of developing glaucoma compared to those without OSA. That there is a strong link between the two is clear; exactly what that link is, is not. 

Theories About OSA’s Link to Glaucoma

Researchers are working to find the physical connections between OSA and glaucoma. One study used special contact lenses to monitor internal eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), during sleep apnea episodes. 

Interestingly, while optic nerve damage from glaucoma is often related to elevated IOP, the study found that, contrary to earlier assumptions, IOP actually dropped during apnea episodes.

Now scientists are focusing on oxygen deprivation as a potential factor. During apnea episodes, oxygen levels in the blood drop significantly, potentially damaging the optic nerve. This aligns with the hypothesis that certain types of glaucoma may be driven more by oxygen deprivation than by increased IOP.

Looking Ahead

There is still much to learn about how sleep apnea episodes impact vision. Further studies could lead to new treatments for both glaucoma and other OSA-related eye conditions. These findings underscore the importance of proactive screening and management for people at risk for either condition.

If you have sleep apnea or suspect that you do, it’s important to contact your doctor and get tested.

*Goyal, A. (2024, March 18). Sleep Apnea and Glaucoma. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/obstructive-sleep-apnea-glaucoma 

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