Sleep Disorder May Lead to Eye Diseases

In a new study, Mayo Clinic researchers have identified that a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may lead to various eye diseases.

OSA is a potentially serious sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep and it occurs when throat muscles relax and block the airway.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Overview
Obstructive sleep apnea should be suspected in overweight middle aged adults who snore loudly and which can cause interruption of breathing for 10 seconds or more and this results in reduced blood o

A large number of studies have identified OSA as an independent risk factor for the development of several medical conditions, like high blood pressure, which are related to impairments or alterations in a person's vascular (circulatory) system.

And eyes, with their own complex and sensitive vascular system, can sometimes signal and be affected by systemic vascular problems.

"Given the vascular consequences of OSA, it is not surprising that ophthalmologic manifestations exist," explained lead author, E. Andrew Waller, M.D., a Mayo Clinic pulmonologist and sleep specialist.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the tissue in the back of the throat collapses completely blocking the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea is treated using continuous positive airway pressure.

For the study, the researchers conducted a literature search focused on sleep disorders and eye disease.

In their study, the scientists have listed a variety of ophthalmologic conditions associated with obstructive sleep apnea, some of which are as follows:

About Sleep Disorder
Sleep disorders can either be having difficulty in getting sleep or dozing off at inappropriate time.

Floppy eyelid syndrome: This disorder causes eyelids to evert (turn inside-out) spontaneously during sleep, resulting in excessive watering, stickiness, discomfort and blurred vision. While not a serious medical problem, this syndrome can signal that a person also has OSA, which can lead to more significant health problems.

Glaucoma: This condition is the second most common cause of blindness and the most common cause of irreversible blindness. OSA is linked to two forms of this disease, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). The severity of glaucoma appears to correlate with the number and duration of apnea episodes in patients with OSA.

Cataract
An animation of how cataract of the lens can cause blurring of images on the retina.

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION): Research shows an increased incidence of OSA in people diagnosed with NAION. This condition is characterized by the sudden painless onset of vision loss in one eye, often noticed upon awakening. Up to 6,000 patients annually in the United States are diagnosed with this condition, which can cause irreversible vision loss.

Papilledema: People with OSA may have a higher incidence of papilledema, swelling of the optic nerve in both eyes. Papilledema typically occurs due to increased pressure within the skull and can lead to progressively worsening vision and, in some cases, blindness.

Waller said that the knowledge of the links between these eye conditions and OSA may pave the way for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

"Our understanding of the mechanisms that link these disorders is minimal. However, the recognition of these associations is important for primary care physicians, ophthalmologists, and sleep physicians. For patients with OSA, a routine eye examination to evaluate for early signs of glaucoma, particularly in the setting of visual loss or change, should be recommended. Patients with ophthalmologic diseases known to be associated with sleep apnea should be screened clinically for sleep apnea and referred to a sleep center if signs or symptoms are present," said Waller.

The study is published in the latest issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

Source-ANI
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