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Obstructive sleep apnea and optic neuropathy: is there a link?
1Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, 8 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia, manuscript@clarefraser.com.
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|June 20, 2014
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may impact optic nerve health through hypoxia and vascular changes. This review explores the evidence linking OSA to glaucoma, optic neuropathy, and increased intracranial pressure.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized for its systemic effects.
- While OSA's link to cerebrovascular disease is established, its role in optic neuropathies is less clear.
- Potential mechanisms include hypoxia and optic nerve head vascular dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence for pathophysiological links between OSA and optic nerve pathology.
- To examine the association between OSA and glaucoma, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), and papilledema/idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiologic and clinical evidence.
- Analysis of proposed pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Synthesis of data on OSA's impact on ocular and neurological health.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests potential associations between OSA and glaucoma, NAION, and papilledema.
- Hypoxia, hypercapnia, and vascular dysregulation are implicated mechanisms.
- Increased intracranial pressure may result from altered cerebral perfusion and venous dilation in OSA patients.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to clarify the direct and indirect links between OSA and optic nerve diseases.
- Understanding these associations may improve diagnosis and management of both OSA and related ocular conditions.
- OSA represents a potential risk factor for various optic neuropathies and elevated intracranial pressure.
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