Sleep and eye disease: A review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is increasingly associated with ocular health issues.
• Existing literature shows consistent links between OSA and conditions like floppy eyelid syndrome and retinal vascular changes.
• Associations with other conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy remain debated or recently described.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on the relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and various eye diseases.
• To identify gaps in research, particularly concerning the impact of OSA treatments on ocular health.
• To highlight the need for further investigation into continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy's effects on glaucoma risk.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature.
• Analysis of epidemiological studies and clinical reports.
• Identification of conflicting findings and areas requiring further research.

Main Results:

• Consistent evidence links OSA to floppy eyelid syndrome, non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, diabetic macular oedema, and retinal vascular changes.
• Conflicting reports exist for associations between OSA and glaucoma, papilloedema, diabetic retinopathy, central serous chorioretinopathy, and keratoconus.
• Recent studies suggest a link between OSA and age-related macular degeneration; evidence for myopia is weak.

Conclusions:

• While OSA is linked to several eye conditions, robust evidence for others is lacking or conflicting.
• Well-designed studies are needed to confirm the benefits of OSA treatment on ocular health.
• Further research on the ocular hypertensive effects of CPAP therapy and the importance of mask fit is crucial for glaucoma management.