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Obstructive Sleep Apnea and the Risk of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Athar Shadmani1, Jaclyn Lekse Kovach1
1Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea is linked to nearly double the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an earlier onset. This condition also increases the risk of both exudative and nonexudative AMD subtypes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Sleep Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder with potential systemic effects.
- The relationship between OSA and AMD requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between obstructive sleep apnea and age-related macular degeneration.
- To analyze AMD subtype distribution, age of onset, and treatment patterns in patients with and without OSA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cross-sectional study of patients aged 50+ from the Epic EHR system.
- Comparison of AMD prevalence between patients with and without OSA.
- Subanalyses included AMD subtypes, end-stage disease, and intravitreal injections.
Main Results:
- AMD prevalence was significantly higher in patients with OSA (1.996%) versus controls (1.023%).
- Patients with AMD and OSA were younger (mean age ~80.8 years) compared to controls (84.9 years).
- Both exudative and nonexudative AMD were more common in OSA patients, but advanced nonexudative AMD was less frequent.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with a nearly doubled prevalence of AMD and an earlier age of onset.
- OSA increases the risk for both exudative and nonexudative AMD subtypes and is linked to higher intravitreal injection rates.
- Findings suggest OSA may play a role in AMD pathogenesis and progression.
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