Sleep apnea is more than just snoring or a restless night’s sleep—it’s a serious condition that can take a toll on your entire body. But what many people don’t realize is that untreated sleep apnea may also put your vision at risk.
Emerging research has found that patients with diabetes who also suffer from sleep apnea are at a much higher risk of developing vision-threatening eye diseases. In severe cases, this damage may even lead to permanent blindness.
The Connection Between Sleep Apnea and Eye Health
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition that causes you to stop breathing repeatedly during sleep. These pauses in breathing can lower your blood oxygen levels and increase pressure on your cardiovascular system. For people with diabetes, the consequences can be especially serious.
According to a joint report from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, people with both diabetes and untreated OSA are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy—a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina. If left unmanaged, this damage can lead to blurred vision, vision loss, and in advanced cases, blindness.
What the Research Says
A 2023 study revealed that sleep apnea could accelerate the progression of diabetic eye disease, especially if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled. This is likely due to the compounded impact of low oxygen levels and increased inflammation caused by OSA. The result? Faster deterioration of the delicate blood vessels in the eyes.
In addition, some evidence suggests that sleep apnea may contribute to other vision problems, such as glaucoma and optic nerve damage, even in people who don’t have diabetes.
Warning Signs to Watch For
If you have sleep apnea and notice changes in your vision—such as blurry vision, eye pain, or frequent headaches—it’s important to take them seriously. These symptoms could indicate a developing eye condition that needs immediate attention.
Be especially vigilant if you also have diabetes. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and other complications. You should also mention your sleep apnea diagnosis to your eye doctor, as it may influence how they monitor and manage your vision health.
How to Protect Your Vision
The best way to lower your risk of vision loss is to treat sleep apnea as part of your overall health strategy. Using a CPAP machine or an oral appliance can help keep your airway open during sleep and improve oxygen flow to vital organs, including your eyes.
If you have diabetes, be sure to follow your care plan closely by managing your blood sugar, attending routine checkups, and living a heart-healthy lifestyle. Together, these steps can help reduce the risk of vision complications and improve your quality of life.
Addressing sleep apnea early can not only help you sleep better—it might just save your sight.
About the Practice
At Byars Dental, patients receive comprehensive care in a modern, welcoming environment. Led by Dr. Michael C. Byars, DDS, our practice offers advanced dental sleep solutions to help patients manage obstructive sleep apnea and improve their overall health. With personalized treatments and a compassionate approach, Dr. Byars and his team are dedicated to helping you sleep better, breathe easier, and protect your long-term well-being.
Call us at (816) 781-8222 or request an appointment online.