It’s no secret that ignoring sleep apnea for too long can have dire consequences. This sleep disorder has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and various other health issues. But did you know that sleep apnea could also potentially be connected to vision loss or blindness? Below is a brief look at the impact that sleep-disordered breathing could have on the health of your eyes.
Sleep Apnea and Your Vision
Having sleep apnea means experiencing frequent interruptions in your breathing (sometimes as many as 30 in a single hour) while you’re asleep. This can make it nearly impossible to get the quality rest your body needs because each interruption forces your brain to briefly wake you up in an effort to get some air. There are multiple forms of sleep apnea, but the most common by far is obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by a blocked airway.
So how can this disorder affect your vision? For one thing, sleep apnea is known to potentially worsen complications of diabetes, which can include diabetic retinopathy. This condition can damage blood vessels in your eyes and eventually lead to a buildup of fluid in the retina that can result in vision loss.
Furthermore, research indicates that people with sleep apnea are much more likely to develop glaucoma, which is an eye condition that can damage the optic nerve and ultimately cause blindness. The link between sleep apnea and glaucoma is thought to be due to changes in blood pressure. When you stop breathing, the drop in blood oxygen levels can cause blood pressure to go up, which is a major risk factor for glaucoma.
What Can You Do About Sleep Apnea?
The good news is that having sleep apnea treated promptly can help you avoid the worst of its long-term consequences, including blindness. The first step is to have a sleep test performed so that the problem can be accurately diagnosed. If it’s found that you are suffering from sleep apnea, your dentist may be able to help you get it under control with a customized oral appliance; this device can help keep your airway unobstructed while you’re asleep by moving your lower jaw slightly forward.
In short, untreated sleep apnea could contribute to health problems that ultimately result in blindness. If you want to avoid losing your vision, then it is in your best interest to have your sleep-disordered breathing treated by an expert as soon as you can.
About the Author
Dr. Matt Mauck went to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and he is a graduate of Foundations of Advanced Continuing Education. He belongs to the Metropolitan Denver Dental Association as well as other organizations. His practice in Aurora, Mauck & Ricci, DDS, offers personalized oral appliances as a way to treat sleep apnea without a CPAP machine. If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are looking for a solution, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Mauck by visiting his website or calling (303) 745-1400.