A good night’s sleep can impact your health in many ways including eye health. Studies suggest that poor sleep—sleep duration, sleep disorders, sleep disturbances, and daytime drowsiness — could be either a risk factor or a result of glaucoma. The study investigated the hypothesized connection between ganglion cell loss and poor sleep. 1
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is essential for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It can occur at any age but is more common in older adults. Many forms of this disease have no warning signs. The effect is so gradual that you may not notice a change in vision until the condition has advanced toward permanent blindness.
Types of Glaucoma
Open-Angle Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of this disease, accounts for at least 90% of all glaucoma cases. It is caused by the gradual blocking of the drainage canals, resulting in increased eye pressure.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a less common form of this disease. The blockage of the drainage canals is more noticeable and occurs quickly. The increase in eye pressure requires immediate medical attention.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
This type of glaucoma is also called normal pressure glaucoma as high pressure does not occur as in other forms of the disease. Still, the condition causes option nerve damage. Some genetic traits are related to this type.
Pigmentary Glaucoma
Pigmentary glaucoma occurs when pigment rubs off of the back of the iris of the eye when the fibers supporting the lens rub against it. Up to 50 percent of people with this condition can develop elevated eye pressure if the pigment decreases the outflow of fluid.
What Are the Factors That Cause Glaucoma?
The fluid buildup and pressure in the eye can be the result of numerous factors including:
- A family history of this disease
- Eye injuries that might cause fluid buildup
- Chemical exposure to the eye
- Surgeries that may cause glaucoma as a complication
- Aging-glaucoma risk increases over the age of 40
- Diabetes is also a risk factor
Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Sensitivity to light
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy eyes
- Halos around lights
- Severe eye ache
- Watery and reddening eyes
- Poor vision and jerky eyes
Can Sleep Apnea Cause Glaucoma?
Researchers found that this disease was 3 times more prevalent in participants who slept ten or more hours per night than participants who slept seven hours per night. People with glaucoma were also more likely to fall asleep quickly (in nine or fewer minutes) or take longer (30 minutes or more) to fall asleep. There was also a connection between this disease and pronounced daytime sleepiness. 1
How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Glaucoma Symptoms?
Poor sleep as a result of sleep disorders like sleep apnea can disrupt healthy cardiovascular blood flow, including blood flow to the head. This change of circulating blood can affect the optic nerve, which may in time lead to glaucoma. For someone already with this disease, sleep apnea can make symptoms worse.
Can Sleep Apnea Increase Risk of Vision Loss Due to Glaucoma?
If left intreated, sleep apnea can cause a host of long-term health issues. Poor circulation is one of many issues. Poor circulation especially related to the optic nerve increases the risk for eye diseases like glaucoma. Because it may not have telltale signs that can lead to a doctor’s visit, the risk for loss of vision from glaucoma increases dramatically.
Connection Between Eye Pressure and Sleep Apnea
Sleep deprivation related to sleep apnea can lead to health issues related to your eyes. Symptoms such as bloodshot eyes or dry, itchy eyes may be minor. But long-term stress on the optic nerve due to lack of sleep may lead to fluid buildup and eventual high pressure in the eye.
How to Get Tested for Sleep Apnea
The first step to determining sleep apnea as a health problem for your eyes and your whole body is to get tested. Here is how it works:
- With the Complete Care Package, schedule a 10-minute telehealth visit with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms, upcoming sleep study, test results, and treatment options.
- A multi-night, disposable home sleep apnea test is mailed to your home to be completed at your convenience.
- A physician analyzes the sleep data and provides a prescription if needed.
- Schedule an optional follow-up appointment (additional fee applies).
- We connect you to sleep experts who can offer customized sleep therapy options, assistance in equipment purchase, and initial set-up.
References
- Glaucoma Research Foundation. Sweet Dreams: The Relationship Between Sleep and Glaucoma. July 2021.
