[Ocular disease in sleep apnea syndrome]

Sleep apnea syndrome is characterised by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway flow interruption during sleep. In the last twenty years, the relationship of sleep apnea with cardiovascular disease has been recognised. More recently, several ocular disorders have been associated with sleep apnea syndrome, including floppy eyelid syndrome, glaucoma, non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy and papilledema. Based on the published evidence, we discuss these associations along with the possible pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical management. It is needed that the ophthalmologist, the primary care physician and the sleep physician are aware of this association so that both sleep disorders and the related ophthalmologic disorders can be better diagnosed and treated.