Eyelid laxity and sleep apnea syndrome: a review

The purpose of this paper is to review the association between a medical entity called the floppy eyelid syndrome (FES) and a very serious respiratory disease with repercussions on various other body organs and systems: the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of these two diseases are intertwined but still not enough recognized. Eye disorders affect a great number of patients in modern societies and the cause of their suffering is often left undiscovered, practitioners preferring a symptomatic treatment. However, the ophthalmologist should be aware of the possibility of a sleep disorder in their patients with certain pathologies, as well as sleep physicians, who should be aware of the possibility of eye problems and refer them for a checkup. Finally, a review of literature is undergone, evaluating the possibility that the treatment of one or the other disease may benefit both.