What do sleep apnea and your risk of developing glaucoma
have in common? Researchers, reporting in the journal Ophthalmology, the official publication of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found
that obstructive sleep apnea is not simply a marker for poor health, but is
actually an independent risk factor for open-angle glaucoma. The relationship
between the two conditions is significant, given the large numbers of people
worldwide who suffer from them. Based on this finding, we want to alert
obstructive sleep apnea patients of the associations between obstructive sleep
apnea and open-angle glaucoma to raise the issue and encouraging treatment of
those who need it.
Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that blocks breathing
during sleep for more than 100 million people worldwide. In obstructive sleep
apnea, the airway becomes blocked, causing breathing to stop for up to two
minutes. Symptoms include loud snoring and persistent daytime sleepiness.
Glaucoma affects nearly 60 million worldwide.
If untreated, glaucoma reduces peripheral vision and eventually may
cause blindness by damaging the optic nerve. Only half of the people who have
glaucoma are aware of it because the disease is painless and vision loss is
typically gradual.
If you or someone you know suffers
from sleep apnea they should be diligent in having eye exams and glaucoma
evaluations as they are at greater risk for open angle glaucoma. Please call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates in
Fairfield County or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an
appointment.
Doctor & Associates is a
leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North,
Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and
148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851.